free internet??

Question

My husband got me a laptop for my birthday, and it came internet ready. I don't know much about laptop computers so is this free internet or is it just a trial period, and if so how do I make it permanent??

Answer 1

Virtually all computers come "internet ready", meaning they have the software and hardware to access the internet. You need an "ISP" (Internet Service Provider) to access the internet.

If your laptop has wireless connectivity, known as WiFi, there are places, where you can go and connect to their WiFi for free. A lot of coffee shops, cafe's, and other places use this service to get more customers in. Often these locations will provide you with a password to use the service.

If you want to connect at home, you need an ISP, and there are several flavors. The cheap ones use existing phone lines, which means your phone line will be busy if someone tries to call you. These services can cost between $10-$30 a month. Your computer must have a modem, where a phone line can be connected.

Other options include Cable and High speed phone lines, these cost much more, but frees up you telephone service for regular calling. These options provide faster service, but at a cost, which can range from $40-$90 per month. Additional hardware is often required, and is often provided by the company that delivers the service. You computer will need a NIC (Network Interface Card) which uses a jack that is slightly larger than a standard phone jack.

Most laptops come equipped with a modem an NIC installed.

Answer 2

If it came "Internet ready", it probably means it has either a built in wireless card that you can access the internet with (most will only let you access with a regular connection + router but newer ones let you access the internet through Sprint/AT&T's wireless services if you get their specific card prebuilt).

You'll always need to pay for any kind of quality internet service, especially what you're describing here. If you are accessing through AOL or Earthlink something like that, then it will just be a free trial period, and eventually you will need to pay to get access. Even if you get one of those Sprint cards built into it, you'll still need to start paying them to go out to their network.

Answer 3

Usually, the internet programs that are installed on your computers are only free for a specific trial period. For specifics, contact the computer manufacturer.

Answer 4

Maximum chances are it will have a trial period. To make it permenant, you will have to become a member or purchase a Broadband connection from any other Internet Service Provider(ISP). Look for available ISP's in your region, their offers etc. Try surfing : http://www.search.yahoo.com or http://www.google.com for available ISP's in your region.
You can also opt for AOL.

Answer 5

it means there must be a internet signal that your laptop is in range of (if it is wireless) if so, you probably have neighbors who have wireless and you can probably just use one of their unprotected networks :)

Answer 6

that would be the best free internet