| If you have a laptop or a handheld device that | | | | you need to do is click on your wireless network |
| allows you to get on the Internet then you need | | | | icon on the bottom right corner of your taskbar |
| to know a little about wi-fi hotspots and how they | | | | and select "view wireless networks". This will |
| can assist you. | | | | show you any hotspots that are available. They |
| Wireless internet gives someone the ability with a | | | | will show full bars and show unsecured. You can |
| wireless device like a laptop, blackberry, or other | | | | also just open your browser to find a hotspot |
| type of handheld to directly connect to the | | | | with some of them. McDonalds and many hotels |
| internet without plugging into a port in a hub. Your | | | | around the country are wi-fi hotspots but they will |
| Internet at home may have a router that the | | | | charge you up to $5 an hour to use their service. |
| phone company gave you to provide your high | | | | All you do is open your browser while you are at |
| speed internet. You have to plug an Ethernet | | | | the location, follow the instructions, and pay with |
| cable into this box and directly into your computer | | | | your credit card. Once you pay you will be |
| or laptop to get connected to the web. Many of | | | | allowed to surf the web and check your email. |
| these devices allow for wireless access. Wireless | | | | Wi-fi hotspots are useful to most people that |
| access eliminates the need for a cable which | | | | need to be wired in at all times. If you need to |
| allows you to work from a distance of the router | | | | check your email and you are driving down the |
| without being plugged in by a cable. The laptop or | | | | road or traveling, chances are good you will find |
| handheld must have an integrated or plug and play | | | | one. You can even drive through a neighborhood |
| wireless card and the router must provide | | | | of houses and use a connection if the homeowner |
| wireless. | | | | has not used a password to secure their |
| A wi-fi hotspot is a public place that offers | | | | network, which most do not. Most neighborhoods |
| wireless access. Let's say that you are driving | | | | offer an unsecured connection so you can jump |
| across the country on a trip or you are flying and | | | | on and immediately have access to the web. |
| you have your laptop and really need to access | | | | If you are constantly wired in or you stay at |
| your email. If you have a wireless card, a wireless | | | | home all of the time because you need to be on |
| hotspot offers connectivity for you to check | | | | the web then you do not have to restrict |
| your email. Many public venues offer free wireless | | | | yourself. There are plenty of wireless hotspots |
| access like public libraries, hotels, airports, and | | | | out there that will allow you to remain connected |
| other places. | | | | while you are on the go. All you need is a |
| When you look for a wi-fi hotspot or you need to | | | | handheld or a laptop with wireless integrated in it |
| know if one is available for you to connect to all | | | | so you can get connected. |