I need some info on public Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity

brentspeak

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Wed Apr-25-07 06:08 PM
Original message

I need some info on public Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity

I must be about 10 years behind in technology: What does one need to access Wi-Fi at a Wi-Fi hotspot (say, Starbucks or wherever)?

I have an old IBM Thinkpad laptop. All I have to do to access public Wi-Fi is to insert a wireless PCI card appropriate for my laptop's model, and that's it? Does everyone accessing public Wi-Fi experience the same connection speed on the Web, regardless of PCI card or type of laptop? I don't need to call up my regular internet provider for anything?

:dunce:

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

Reverend_Smitty

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Wed Apr-25-07 06:20 PM
Response to Original message

1. If you are in a WiFi hotspot...

your computer should detect it automatically or in your case when you insert the PCI card, meaning you don't have to contact your ISP about anything

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

Omphaloskepsis

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Wed Apr-25-07 06:20 PM
Response to Original message

2. Not PCI... You might be thinking PCMCIA...

PCI is a desktop thing. Do you have USB ports? WiFi USB sticks are cheap and work well. I think Starbucks charges for WiFi.. But it is really easy to find a free network in urban areas. In downtown Portland I can pick from 40 or 50 open hotspots.

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

brentspeak

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Wed Apr-25-07 06:31 PM
Response to Reply #2

3. Right, PCMCIA

But I do have USB ports. What kinds of speeds do the hotspots provide? Does it matter which kind of laptop or WiFi stick I have?

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

Reverend_Smitty

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Wed Apr-25-07 06:34 PM
Response to Reply #3

4. It depends on how many people are using it...

Edited on Wed Apr-25-07 06:35 PM by Reverend_Smitty

the strength of the signal and the speed of the signal on their end. I think the better the WiFi stick you have would get you a stronger signal and therefore better speed...but I don't know enough about them to recommend one.

on edit: I'm on WiFi right now and I'm experiencing the same speeds as I would on my desktop with high speed cable internet

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

brentspeak

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Wed Apr-25-07 06:42 PM
Response to Reply #4

6. Surfing around for more info...

I'm reading news stories that say WiFi can be a security hazard for those using it. I guess it probably wouldn't be a good idea for me to check my ebay auctions or PayPal balance using WiFi.

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

northzax

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Wed Apr-25-07 07:36 PM
Response to Reply #6

9. depends on the signal and the software you are using, of course

i wouldn't do banking on some random person's wifi signal, but you are pretty unlikely to have someone at the coffee shop stealing your encrypted data, since it's their livelihood at stake.

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

Omphaloskepsis

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Wed Apr-25-07 06:39 PM
Response to Reply #3

5. Speed varies..

Edited on Wed Apr-25-07 06:40 PM by Omphaloskepsis

You might be sharing the connection with 20 other people. I wouldn't try to download a big file. But, for normal browsing it is fine. And don't upload anything, that fucks up everyone else using the connection. That is rude.

If you can connect you will be fine for normal browsing. USB 1.0 is fast enough to push through normal Internet traffic. If you just want to visit websites and check your email you will be fine.

edit :: damn, I type slow..

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

brentspeak

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Wed Apr-25-07 06:45 PM
Response to Reply #5

7. Would downloading a big file screw other users up?

Edited on Wed Apr-25-07 06:47 PM by brentspeak

Would it be impractical (and inconsiderate) to download torrents using WiFi?

on edit: dumb question on my part, since torrents also require the user to upload while also downloading.

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

Omphaloskepsis

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Wed Apr-25-07 06:52 PM
Response to Reply #7

8. It would be rude at a public wifi hotspot.

WiFi at home would be OK to use Bittorrent..

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

DU AdBot (1000+ posts)

Thu May 02nd 2024, 08:04 AM
Response to Original message

Advertisements [?]

Top

Powered by DCForum+ Version 1.1 Copyright 1997-2002 DCScripts.com
Software has been extensively modified by the DU administrators

Important Notices: By participating on this discussion board, visitors agree to abide by the rules outlined on our Rules page. Messages posted on the Democratic Underground Discussion Forums are the opinions of the individuals who post them, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Democratic Underground, LLC.