Computer / Wireless Question(s)

[Boatcop]

My bride of 26 years decided to take me to Havasu and buy me a Play Station 2 for our anniversary. She thought I'd like one, 'cause I play with the kid's PS when they come to visit.
Long story short, I told her it would be a waste of money, since although they're fun once in a while, it wouldn't get much use if I had it here all the time. She asked what I wanted instead, so I told her a lap-top Computer. Buy it, she said.
A few minutes on Dell.com, and it'll be here in a few days.
Which brings me to my question.
How does the wireless "hot-spot" or the hotel room hooks-ups work? Do you have to have a special account with Earthlink, Net-Zero, AOL (yuck), etc? Or do you just access it and go? Pay as you go? or what?
It's got external wireless, ethernet and a 56k modem, so physical hook up won't be a problem.
How about security when using these types of internet access? I know to protect my own computer (Norton everything on all my equip), but what about data spewed out over the "public" access points.
Thanks in advance for any insight you can give me.

[JetBoatRich]

Sometimes hotels make it easy :D
Open Internet Explore and follow their directions when the home page comes up :D
Others give you information at the desk :D
Where I stayed Monday the wireless was down and used hardwire, just turned on the computer and it worked.
When i stayed at an extended stay, I would get a password that last for different lengths.
Hot Spots, T-mobil, etc will have accounts that can be daily, weekly monthly, etc. I used the T-Mobile sites at a couple airports :supp:

[uvindex]

How does the wireless "hot-spot" or the hotel room hooks-ups work? Do you have to have a special account with Earthlink, Net-Zero, AOL (yuck), etc? Or do you just access it and go?You do not need any special accounts to use hotel hotspots -- just open a web browser (such as Internet Explorer or Firefox or Netscape), follow the directions that pop up or that the hotel provides, and you're on the net, downloading porn, debating with people on ***boat, whatever. :)
Pay as you go? or what?Many hotels include wireless as part of the room's amenities. Many others, however, charge for this service. It is usually around $10 for each 24-hour period, with unlimited use during that period.
How about security when using these types of internet access? I know to protect my own computer (Norton everything on all my equip), but what about data spewed out over the "public" access points.Definitely use a firewall on your system in these environments. Anything "spewed" in the air is open to "sniffers" or malcontents. If it is an SSL (secure) link (the ones with a little padlock in your browser) you're safer, but not guaranteed safe. Anti-spyware software is a good idea as well.
Have fun! :)

[C-2]

I use T-Mobile Hotspot, $29 month and can find them at all Starbucks, a lot of hotels, T-Mobile stores, some Pilot gas stations, kinko's, fed Ex stores...just Starbucks and you can connect in most any town.

[Racer277]

Rich has it right.
But if you're desperate, netstumbler (http://www.netstumbler.com/) will help you find an open access point in a pinch.
It's amazing to drive down the freeway and see hundreds of ap's wide open.
The keys to the kingdom....

[C-2]

Wardriving and finding open hotspots is way overated. I got an Orinoco Gold card with the super duper antenna - but really don't have time to go sniffing for a solid connection. just easier to use something reliable and secure IMO.
It's amazing where you can find them though. I was in the hood, Pacoima, where a laptop was more vaulable than most cars in the area, but had a solid connection. Go figure. :)

[Magic34]

You do not need any special accounts to use hotel hotspots -- just open a web browser (such as Internet Explorer or Firefox or Netscape), follow the directions that pop up or that the hotel provides, and you're on the net, downloading porn, debating with people on ***boat, whatever. :)
Many hotels include wireless as part of the room's amenities. Many others, however, charge for this service. It is usually around $10 for each 24-hour period, with unlimited use during that period.
Definitely use a firewall on your system in these environments. Anything "spewed" in the air is open to "sniffers" or malcontents. If it is an SSL (secure) link (the ones with a little padlock in your browser) you're safer, but not guaranteed safe. Anti-spyware software is a good idea as well.
Have fun! :)
This is pretty much right on with what I have seen. I am useing a Dell with internal wireless and I travel a few times every month. Dpeneding on the hotel, sometimes it is free (seems more rare every time I take a trip) and the others are around $10 for 24 hours or until check out the next day.
The hotel price didn't seem to matter in regards to if they charged or not. I have been in a $75/night hotel that was free where the $295 Hyatt in Kauai was like $14.95 a day.
Other than that, our boy in FL who would rather in in LHC is right on the money.

[duffster]

Just get a Sprint wireless card for $80 per month and be done with it. I'm on the Metrolink train going to Irvine surfing HB and typing away every morning.

[Racer277]

Just get a Sprint wireless card for $80 per month and be done with it. I'm on the Metrolink train going to Irvine surfing HB and typing away every morning.
How does that work in Parker?
If it does, please post, as we are in need.
Thanks,

[frdvschvy]

Better yet grab yourself a Verizon Wireless EVDO Broadband card for $59.99 per month. Gives you average speeds of 400-700 kbps, which will blow the sprint card away! Sprint has yet to bring wireless broadband to the SoCal market. They have coverage In SoCal, but only at 45-70 kbps.

[HotDogz]

you should have a wireless icon down by your clock that if you right click on it, will show a menu to "view all wireless networks" which will allow you to see available networks and select the one you want to connect to. Public access points typically do not encrypt data streams, they are usually open to packet sniffers that can re-create your communications. Your e-mail sign on is also text visible. I use a program called "Ethereal" to view packet data on wireless networks. Its amazing what you can really see. :2purples:

[mickeyfinn]

Wireless in Hotels is no problem "most of the time" They are usually totally unprotected networks. All you need is to make sure TCPIP for your wireless card is set to get its IP address from server. It will configure itself and you will be good to go. Almost any residential area you will find any number of good connections. The built in wireless doesn't work as good as a card. The antennae is the problem. If you are going to be using the thing alot disable the internal and buy a good quality card for the lap top. They both use battery at similar rates but the card will give you much better reception.

[BoatPI]

I try to always stay at Hiltons, or Hilton Garden Inns. All have free wireless as do most Best Westerns. It is unprotected but Hiltons generally have a cable hook up too.