Free Wi Fi Question

STORM_2

Just a quick question,

I have recently bought a new lap top. It has the little internet icon on it. Do i need to put any programs or servers on it so that I can access free wi fi from Mcdonalds or Weatherspoons? Im a bit confused about all this techy stuff. Please explain it to me as simple as possible. Really I dont want to spend unnescessary money each month on a server, if I can help it.

Having a blonde moment!
Thanks in advance :rolleyes:

McAzrael

If the laptop has a wifi receiver, then no. Look for a switch to turn it on and off (probably with a picture of a radio mast on it). If you don't have built in wi-fi then you can by a wi-fi card which slots into the PC Card slot, or a USB receiver.

Browntoa

you don't need to do anything, wetherspoons will give you a card telling you how to access the wi fi

your laptop will detect the network on it's own

QQuaver

There's free wifi?:shocked:
http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/pubs/our-pubs-your-pubs/discover-wetherspoon.php#free-wifi
http://www.mcdonalds.co.uk/pages/global/wifi.html
Anywhere else?

STORM_2

:T Bless your little cotton socks.......all of you!!!!!!!!!:T

ormus

starbucks do free wifi.
they prefer you to buy some coffee too!

QQuaver

ormus wrote: »

starbucks do free wifi.

It wasn't free when I last used them, it was T-mobile.

superscaper

Also if you're going to use these services only use them for general browsing etc, don't do anything that requires you to put in your passwords etc. You can't be sure of the wireless security.

System

I have noticed that if you do a google for "wifi hotspots in........" and enter your town/city and perhaps postcode, you may get information there. I did, and found all the known hotspots in our town, but tried another, and none came up. Either way it may be something that will improve with time.

When my son and I went into a pub advertising free wifi connection, he was given the log-in code ie 54321 (I think) and hey presto.

McDonalds have a printed leaflet available in all their outlets, presumably giving their access code. So it would be fair to assume this is all readily available information.

espresso

islandman wrote: »

When my son and I went into a pub advertising free wifi connection, he was given the log-in code ie 54321 (I think) and hey presto.

McDonalds have a printed leaflet available in all their outlets, presumably giving their access code. So it would be fair to assume this is all readily available information.

:rotfl:

So not exactly secure then!

free4440273

superscaper wrote: »

Also if you're going to use these services only use them for general browsing etc, don't do anything that requires you to put in your passwords etc. You can't be sure of the wireless security.

Seconded. Do NOT check your bank balance online (in one of these places)*:eek:

*Some would even suggest not using online banking with wireless (even at home): I choose to do so but I remain cautious and 'on alert'