Yes, you should at least consider this possibility. Anyone can install packet-sniffing software that will enable him or her to eavesdrop on what you do at a public hot spot. These snoops can read your e-mails and see what Web sites you visit, but they will not have access to the files on your laptop, unless you have file sharing enabled. And they cannot see any messages or Web pages sent over the secure server connections typically used by banks and e-commerce sites.
If you use a VPN to access your corporate network, you can use it at hot spots to encrypt all transmissions and shield them from packet sniffers. If you don't have a corporate VPN but frequently use public hot spots, you might consider a consumer VPN service such as the PersonalVPN from Witopia ($39.99 per year, www.witopia.net) or BlowFish from HotSpotVPN ($10.88 to $13.88 per month, www.hotspotvpn.com). These employ powerful 128-bit encryption to protect your data as it is transmitted.
Showing posts with label 100% free wifi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 100% free wifi. Show all posts
Saturday, January 12, 2008
How do I share files on a wireless network? Wi-Fi Problem Fixs
You will need to set up a workgroup and make sure that all PCs are assigned to the same workgroup, then enable file sharing in Windows. First, right-click on the folder you want to share, choose Sharing and Security from the right-click menu, then click the Sharing tab. Put checks in the boxes labeled "Share this folder on a network" and "Allow network users to change my files" to enable others to modify the documents. Now just, click OK.
Which wireless channel should I use? Wi-Fi Tips and Tricks
Wireless 802.11b and 802.11g routers have 11 channels in the United States and 13 in Europe, and most routers come set to channel 6 as the default. If you experience interference—from a neighbor's router, for instance—you can change your channel to solve the problem. Channels 1, 6, and 11 are non-overlapping channels. So if your neighbor's network uses channel 6, change your router to 1 or 11. You'll typically find channel settings on the router's basic wireless-settings page. Just click the drop-down menu and select an alternate channel, then save the settings.
How do I automatically connect to a Wi-Fi network without having to manually connect the first time? Wi-Fi Tricks And Tips
If you just want to connect fast to any available Wi-Fi network, you can set your notebook to do it automatically. Go to Control Panel > Network Connections and right-click your current wireless network. Then click Properties > Wireless Networks > Advanced. Make sure the button next to "Any available network" is on, then check the box "Automatically connect to non-preferred networks."
What hardware is needed to build a wireless network?
Wireless network adapters (also known as wireless NICs or wireless network cards) are required for each device on a wireless network. Some newer laptop computers incorporate wireless adapters as a built-in feature of the system. Separate add-on adapters must be purchased for most computers, however.
Popular wireless network adapters for PCs exist in the form of a PCMCIA "credit card".
Macintosh computers use the distinctive AirPort card. USB wireless adapters that do not resemble cards also exist.
No wireless hardware other than adapters is required to build a small wireless LAN (WLAN). However, to increase the performance of a WLAN, accommodate more computers, and increase the network's range, wireless access points and/or wireless routers can be deployed.
Wireless routers function comparably to traditional routers for wired networks. One generally deploys wireless routers when building an all-wireless network from the ground up.
An alternative to routers, access points allow wireless networks to join an existing wired network. One typically deploys access points when growing a network that already has a wired switch or router installed. In home networking, a single access point (or router) possesses sufficient range to span most homes. Businesses in office buildings often must deploy multiple access points and/or routers.
Access points and routers often utilize a wireless antenna that significantly increase the communication range of the wireless radio signal. These antennas are optional and removable on most equipment. It's also possible to mount antennas on wireless clients to increase the range of wireless adapters. This is common practice for wardrivers, but add-on antennas are generally not required in typical home or business networks.
computer problem, pc support, technical support, computer help, online computer repair, microsoft windows help, slow computer, computer troubleshooting, virus and spyware removal
Popular wireless network adapters for PCs exist in the form of a PCMCIA "credit card".
Macintosh computers use the distinctive AirPort card. USB wireless adapters that do not resemble cards also exist.
No wireless hardware other than adapters is required to build a small wireless LAN (WLAN). However, to increase the performance of a WLAN, accommodate more computers, and increase the network's range, wireless access points and/or wireless routers can be deployed.
Wireless routers function comparably to traditional routers for wired networks. One generally deploys wireless routers when building an all-wireless network from the ground up.
An alternative to routers, access points allow wireless networks to join an existing wired network. One typically deploys access points when growing a network that already has a wired switch or router installed. In home networking, a single access point (or router) possesses sufficient range to span most homes. Businesses in office buildings often must deploy multiple access points and/or routers.
Access points and routers often utilize a wireless antenna that significantly increase the communication range of the wireless radio signal. These antennas are optional and removable on most equipment. It's also possible to mount antennas on wireless clients to increase the range of wireless adapters. This is common practice for wardrivers, but add-on antennas are generally not required in typical home or business networks.
computer problem, pc support, technical support, computer help, online computer repair, microsoft windows help, slow computer, computer troubleshooting, virus and spyware removal
What is wireless networking? Wi Fi How does it work?
A wireless network uses radio signals or microwaves to broadcast data and information. Rather than being transmitted through traditional coaxial, CAT5 ethernet or other standard wired methods, the data is beamed out over the airwaves.
Wireless networks offer advantages for some. Users with personal digital assistant (PDA) handhelds such as Palm Pilots, wifi enabled cell phones, or users with laptops can use wireless technology to allow them the convenience to move about while maintaining their network connectivity. Another pro is the ability for users to network desktop computers at various locations without having to deal with the hassle or expense of running a wired connection to that spot.
Most wired networks operate at 100mbps, and many organizations have upgraded to the newer standard of 1gbps.
A large percentage of wireless networks operate at 11mbps, roughly equivalent to the old wired speed of 10mbps. Most wireless network equipment available today is compatible with both 802.11b and the faster 802.11g which operates at speeds up to 54mbps. There is also a new, emerging wireless network standard, 802.11n, which theoretically increases both the speed and the range of the wireless network.
WHAT CAN AFFECT MY WI FI CONNECTION
Wireless network speeds are affected by obstructions such as walls and floors. Most wireless network equipment, for consumers in particular, also operates in the 2.4Ghz frequency range. This is the same range as other household devices such as cordless phones, baby monitors, etc. The interference from these devices, as well as microwave ovens and other electrical interference can greatly impact the range, speed and quality of your wireless network.
computer problem, pc support, technical support, computer help, online computer repair, microsoft windows help, slow computer, computer troubleshooting, virus and spyware removal
Wireless networks offer advantages for some. Users with personal digital assistant (PDA) handhelds such as Palm Pilots, wifi enabled cell phones, or users with laptops can use wireless technology to allow them the convenience to move about while maintaining their network connectivity. Another pro is the ability for users to network desktop computers at various locations without having to deal with the hassle or expense of running a wired connection to that spot.
Most wired networks operate at 100mbps, and many organizations have upgraded to the newer standard of 1gbps.
A large percentage of wireless networks operate at 11mbps, roughly equivalent to the old wired speed of 10mbps. Most wireless network equipment available today is compatible with both 802.11b and the faster 802.11g which operates at speeds up to 54mbps. There is also a new, emerging wireless network standard, 802.11n, which theoretically increases both the speed and the range of the wireless network.
WHAT CAN AFFECT MY WI FI CONNECTION
Wireless network speeds are affected by obstructions such as walls and floors. Most wireless network equipment, for consumers in particular, also operates in the 2.4Ghz frequency range. This is the same range as other household devices such as cordless phones, baby monitors, etc. The interference from these devices, as well as microwave ovens and other electrical interference can greatly impact the range, speed and quality of your wireless network.
computer problem, pc support, technical support, computer help, online computer repair, microsoft windows help, slow computer, computer troubleshooting, virus and spyware removal
I Can't connect to wireless router or access point How Do I fix This
Most such wireless host devices have a web page that can be accessed with a standard web browser (e.g., Internet Explorer). Check the user manual for the address of the web page, and try to connect with a web browser.
If that doesn't work, try to ping the wireless host; under Microsoft Windows, click Start → Run,
type "%COMSPEC% /k ping WIRELESSHOSTADDRESS" and press [Enter].
If that doesn't work, check network addresses with Start → Run,
type "%COMSPEC% /k ipconfig /all" and press [Enter].
The wireless adapter network address will normally begin with the same three number groups as the wireless host web page; e.g., if the wireless host web page is 192.168.1.254, then the wireless adapter should be something like 192.168.1.11.
If you have a wireless router (not an access point), the Default Gateway should normally be the same network address as the wireless host web page.
If all else fails, you may need to reset the wireless host to factory default settings, and start over. Check the user manual for how to do this.
If that doesn't work, try to ping the wireless host; under Microsoft Windows, click Start → Run,
type "%COMSPEC% /k ping WIRELESSHOSTADDRESS" and press [Enter].
If that doesn't work, check network addresses with Start → Run,
type "%COMSPEC% /k ipconfig /all" and press [Enter].
The wireless adapter network address will normally begin with the same three number groups as the wireless host web page; e.g., if the wireless host web page is 192.168.1.254, then the wireless adapter should be something like 192.168.1.11.
If you have a wireless router (not an access point), the Default Gateway should normally be the same network address as the wireless host web page.
If all else fails, you may need to reset the wireless host to factory default settings, and start over. Check the user manual for how to do this.
My Wake On LAN (WOL) won't work from the Internet how Can I Fix This
The problem is that for a router to send magic WOL packets to your network, you need either: 1.an external router interface for generating and sending magic WOL packets, or 2.manual enabling of a static route or directed broadcast. Many (most?) low-end routers don't have that capability because of the risk of smurf denial of service attacks.
WHAT IS A SMURF ATTACK?
The smurf attack is a way of generating a lot of computer network traffic to a victim site. That is, it is a type of denial-of-service attack. Specifically, it floods a target system via spoofed broadcast ping messages.
In such an attack, a perpetrator sends a large amount of ICMP echo (ping) traffic to IP broadcast addresses, all of it having a spoofed source address of the intended victim. If the routing device delivering traffic to those broadcast addresses delivers the IP broadcast to all hosts (for example via a layer 2 broadcast), most hosts on that IP network will take the ICMP echo request and reply to it with an echo reply, multiplying the traffic by the number of hosts responding. On a multi-access broadcast network, hundreds of machines might reply to each packet.
Today, thanks largely to the ease with which administrators can make a network immune to this abuse, very few networks remain vulnerable to smurf attacks.
The fix is twofold:
Configure individual hosts and routers not to respond to ping requests to broadcast addresses, and Configure routers not to forward packets directed to broadcast addresses.
Another proposed solution, to fix this as well as other problems, is network ingress filtering which rejects the attacking packets on the basis of the forged source address.
WHAT IS A SMURF ATTACK?
The smurf attack is a way of generating a lot of computer network traffic to a victim site. That is, it is a type of denial-of-service attack. Specifically, it floods a target system via spoofed broadcast ping messages.
In such an attack, a perpetrator sends a large amount of ICMP echo (ping) traffic to IP broadcast addresses, all of it having a spoofed source address of the intended victim. If the routing device delivering traffic to those broadcast addresses delivers the IP broadcast to all hosts (for example via a layer 2 broadcast), most hosts on that IP network will take the ICMP echo request and reply to it with an echo reply, multiplying the traffic by the number of hosts responding. On a multi-access broadcast network, hundreds of machines might reply to each packet.
Today, thanks largely to the ease with which administrators can make a network immune to this abuse, very few networks remain vulnerable to smurf attacks.
The fix is twofold:
Configure individual hosts and routers not to respond to ping requests to broadcast addresses, and Configure routers not to forward packets directed to broadcast addresses.
Another proposed solution, to fix this as well as other problems, is network ingress filtering which rejects the attacking packets on the basis of the forged source address.
Wi-Fi Speed Whay Is my Wi Fi Connection Slow Slow
The raw speed reported by your wireless network adapter is not necessarily a reliable indicator of actual raw speed. The reason is that transmit speed fluctuates according to the wireless error rate, and when the wireless link is idle, unrealistic speed may be reported (since no errors are occuring when the wireless link is idle).
Data can only flow on one wireless link in one direction at any one time, which means that the maximum data transfer rate will be well below half of the raw wireless network speed.
Increase transmit power
Won't help on receiving, so higher power may well be needed at both ends.
Takes a lot more power to make a substantial difference in range.
May increase interference to other users of the frequency band.
Improving antenna (helping sending & receiving) is usually more effective & neighborly.
computer problem, pc support, technical support, computer help, online computer repair, microsoft windows help, slow computer, computer troubleshooting, virus and spyware removal
Data can only flow on one wireless link in one direction at any one time, which means that the maximum data transfer rate will be well below half of the raw wireless network speed.
Increase transmit power
Won't help on receiving, so higher power may well be needed at both ends.
Takes a lot more power to make a substantial difference in range.
May increase interference to other users of the frequency band.
Improving antenna (helping sending & receiving) is usually more effective & neighborly.
computer problem, pc support, technical support, computer help, online computer repair, microsoft windows help, slow computer, computer troubleshooting, virus and spyware removal
Can't connect to Wi-Fi client bridge and Internet at the same time How Can I Fix This
In network terms, a bridge is transparent, passing data from each side to the other side (wireless to wired, wired to wireless). Thus in normal operation it doesn't have any use for IP addresses, just MAC addresses.
However, because of the need to manage Wi-Fi operation (SSID selection, WEP/WPA security, etc.), a Wi-Fi client bridge will typically have configuration screen(s) at a specified private IP address (e.g., 192.168.0.254) that can be accessed with a standard Web browser (e.g., Microsoft Internet Explorer) from a local computer. Unfortunately, unlike with a Wi-Fi router, a computer connected to a Wi-Fi client bridge can't normally communicate with both the client bridge configuration and the Internet at the same time.
How To Configure a Wi-Fi client bridge.
Problem: The NIC on a local computer needs a manually-assigned IP on the same subnet to connect to the client bridge config interface but then can't access the Internet, and when configured for DHCP through the client bridge can then talk to the Internet but not the client bridge.
Solutions:
Multihoming of the NIC (single link, multiple IP addresses)
For Microsoft Windows XP, see "Configuring Multiple IP Addresses on a Network Adapter" in Configuring IP Addressing and Name Resolution. Note: This only works with all manual addresses, not DHCP, which can be problematic when roaming unless managed with configuration manager software.
Two NICs in one computer, both connected to the client bridge:
one manually configured to talk to the client bridge config
the other with DHCP for the Internet.
Different computers for
client bridge config (manually configured)
Internet access (DHCP).
Connection manager software for rapid changing of NIC configuration profiles try theese.
Boingo Wi-Fi software (free)
Mobile Net Switch
NetSwitcher
However, because of the need to manage Wi-Fi operation (SSID selection, WEP/WPA security, etc.), a Wi-Fi client bridge will typically have configuration screen(s) at a specified private IP address (e.g., 192.168.0.254) that can be accessed with a standard Web browser (e.g., Microsoft Internet Explorer) from a local computer. Unfortunately, unlike with a Wi-Fi router, a computer connected to a Wi-Fi client bridge can't normally communicate with both the client bridge configuration and the Internet at the same time.
How To Configure a Wi-Fi client bridge.
Problem: The NIC on a local computer needs a manually-assigned IP on the same subnet to connect to the client bridge config interface but then can't access the Internet, and when configured for DHCP through the client bridge can then talk to the Internet but not the client bridge.
Solutions:
Multihoming of the NIC (single link, multiple IP addresses)
For Microsoft Windows XP, see "Configuring Multiple IP Addresses on a Network Adapter" in Configuring IP Addressing and Name Resolution. Note: This only works with all manual addresses, not DHCP, which can be problematic when roaming unless managed with configuration manager software.
Two NICs in one computer, both connected to the client bridge:
one manually configured to talk to the client bridge config
the other with DHCP for the Internet.
Different computers for
client bridge config (manually configured)
Internet access (DHCP).
Connection manager software for rapid changing of NIC configuration profiles try theese.
Boingo Wi-Fi software (free)
Mobile Net Switch
NetSwitcher
Find a Wi Fi Hotspot anywhere in the world Search for free and paid hotspots
Search for free and paid hotspots anywhere in the world by chatting with the Wi-Fi Companion just like your other Skype buddies.
Search any part of an address such as the zip code or city name, or type a phrase like "free hotspots in Paris" and in approximately 15 seconds you'll have the first 5 results back from the Companion.
Search on keywords like "cafe" or "hotel," or you can search by actual names of venues like "McDonald's" or "Borders." You can also combine keywords such as "free" and "hotel" for more precise results. See "Use keywords" for a list of possible keywords to help you search.
Send your list of hotspots to yourself or anyone else simply by typing in an email address.
Find yourself anywhere in the world
No matter where you are in the world, the Wi-Fi Companion displays your exact location and all hotspots and other services around you.
Use the Find Me tab at the top of the map to view your location and all the hotspots in your current location.
View local information such as news, weather, time and even directions and traffic reports.
Search any part of an address such as the zip code or city name, or type a phrase like "free hotspots in Paris" and in approximately 15 seconds you'll have the first 5 results back from the Companion.
Search on keywords like "cafe" or "hotel," or you can search by actual names of venues like "McDonald's" or "Borders." You can also combine keywords such as "free" and "hotel" for more precise results. See "Use keywords" for a list of possible keywords to help you search.
Send your list of hotspots to yourself or anyone else simply by typing in an email address.
Find yourself anywhere in the world
No matter where you are in the world, the Wi-Fi Companion displays your exact location and all hotspots and other services around you.
Use the Find Me tab at the top of the map to view your location and all the hotspots in your current location.
View local information such as news, weather, time and even directions and traffic reports.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
IBM 11a/b/g Wireless LAN Mini PCI Adapter WIFI REVIEW
The new IBM 11a/b/g Wireless LAN Mini PCI Adapter provides secure wireless connectivity1 with maximum flexibility and performance for wireless-upgradeable ThinkPad notebooks. This Mini PCI adapter is based on three wireless LAN (WLAN) standards: IEEE 802.11a, 802.11g, and 802.11b. It offers data rates up to 54 Mbps2 in both the 2.4 GHz3 and 5 GHz bands. Features include:
Data transfer rates of:
6 Mbps to 54 Mbps for 802.11a
1 Mbps to 54 Mbps for 802.11g
1 Mbps to 11 Mbps for 802.11b
802.11a, 802.11g, and 802.11b seamless roaming and manual selection mode
Mini PCI Type IIIb For technical support:
Call the HelpCenter® 800-IBM-SERV (426-7378)
or
Request technical information via the Personal Computing Division Web site:
http://www.ibm.com/pc/support
Overview
IBM continues to enhance its wireless LAN (WLAN) Mini PCI adapter offerings. The 11a/b/g Wireless LAN Mini PCI Adapter is now introduced as a wireless upgrade on select wireless-upgradeable ThinkPad® models.
Whether working from the office or on the road, this option enables connectivity to existing 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g networks4. It improves mobility and provides the performance necessary for high-bandwidth applications such as:
Multimedia delivery
IP telephony
Large file transfers
In addition to offering high performance, this Wi-Fi adapter card ships complete with an easy-to-use connection configuration utility. You can specify encryption and enhanced roaming settings, plus infrastructure, ad hoc, and transmit modes.
Compatibility with the 802.11b and 802.11g protocols allows you to leverage the large install base of 802.11b technology. You may also benefit from higher data rates up to 54 Mbps when connecting to an 802.11g or 802.11a-based access point.
Key prerequisites
Refer to the Hardware requirements section.
Product number
31P9701
Actual device range and data transfer speed depend upon many factors and are often less than the maximum possible.
3 With 11g-based Access Point.
4 Public network access limited; subscription may be required. Access fees may apply.
Additional information
The tri-mode capability of this adapter enables you to easily transmit on 802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g WLAN networks. The key attributes of the 802.11a protocol include:
Transmission speeds of up to 54 Mbps
Greater system capacity supports more users with eight non-overlapping channels
Operates in the less-crowded 5 GHz frequency band
Flexibility
The new 11a/b/g Wireless LAN Mini PCI Adapter is an ideal choice if you are on the move in the office, or in a campus environment. The adapter will automatically search for the best connection as you roam through different WLAN networks, helping to maintain connectivity throughout your wireless network. The adapter can be used at work, home, or public hot-spots without hardware configuration changes.
The adapter helps improve costs of ownership by supporting all three WLAN protocols. Costs are lowered by reducing the need to support multiple environments or reconfigure client devices as users move between them. In addition, existing WLAN investments are protected as the adapter supports low- and high-speed WLAN network devices. 4 OUT OF 5 STARS
Data transfer rates of:
6 Mbps to 54 Mbps for 802.11a
1 Mbps to 54 Mbps for 802.11g
1 Mbps to 11 Mbps for 802.11b
802.11a, 802.11g, and 802.11b seamless roaming and manual selection mode
Mini PCI Type IIIb For technical support:
Call the HelpCenter® 800-IBM-SERV (426-7378)
or
Request technical information via the Personal Computing Division Web site:
http://www.ibm.com/pc/support
Overview
IBM continues to enhance its wireless LAN (WLAN) Mini PCI adapter offerings. The 11a/b/g Wireless LAN Mini PCI Adapter is now introduced as a wireless upgrade on select wireless-upgradeable ThinkPad® models.
Whether working from the office or on the road, this option enables connectivity to existing 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g networks4. It improves mobility and provides the performance necessary for high-bandwidth applications such as:
Multimedia delivery
IP telephony
Large file transfers
In addition to offering high performance, this Wi-Fi adapter card ships complete with an easy-to-use connection configuration utility. You can specify encryption and enhanced roaming settings, plus infrastructure, ad hoc, and transmit modes.
Compatibility with the 802.11b and 802.11g protocols allows you to leverage the large install base of 802.11b technology. You may also benefit from higher data rates up to 54 Mbps when connecting to an 802.11g or 802.11a-based access point.
Key prerequisites
Refer to the Hardware requirements section.
Product number
31P9701
Actual device range and data transfer speed depend upon many factors and are often less than the maximum possible.
3 With 11g-based Access Point.
4 Public network access limited; subscription may be required. Access fees may apply.
Additional information
The tri-mode capability of this adapter enables you to easily transmit on 802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g WLAN networks. The key attributes of the 802.11a protocol include:
Transmission speeds of up to 54 Mbps
Greater system capacity supports more users with eight non-overlapping channels
Operates in the less-crowded 5 GHz frequency band
Flexibility
The new 11a/b/g Wireless LAN Mini PCI Adapter is an ideal choice if you are on the move in the office, or in a campus environment. The adapter will automatically search for the best connection as you roam through different WLAN networks, helping to maintain connectivity throughout your wireless network. The adapter can be used at work, home, or public hot-spots without hardware configuration changes.
The adapter helps improve costs of ownership by supporting all three WLAN protocols. Costs are lowered by reducing the need to support multiple environments or reconfigure client devices as users move between them. In addition, existing WLAN investments are protected as the adapter supports low- and high-speed WLAN network devices. 4 OUT OF 5 STARS
Jet Blue Wi-Fi Not Done Yet FREE WIFI HERE
Jet Blue Wi-Fi Not Fully Cooked2008 and Yahoo Mobile in flight is the best we can do?
At this point we've been talking about potential in-flight broadband services for so long -- we'd prefer the industry to wake us when it arrives instead of teasing us with press nuggets. Allowed to take part in the maiden voyage of the airline's only Wi-Fi equipped plane today, CNET's Caroline McCarthy says Jet Blue's in-flight broadband service isn't worth writing home about just yet. Not only does the trial service restrict you to just IM and e-mail traffic, the e-mail doesn't even allow users to upload attachments:
The e-mail application is very light. You have access to your address book, but you can't send attachments, which is why you aren't seeing any awesome photos of me hanging out with the flight crew. It all reminded me of an ultra-low-end mobile browser, which leads me to the hack I found. Indeed, as I learned, it's Yahoo Mobile.
That means you can still get around the restriction on browsing mobile content, but it's still far from the in-flight broadband revolution you've been waiting for. Jet Blue is starting small, and from the sounds of it -- that's a good idea. PC World does a good job of breaking down the in-flight broadband services coming from Jet Blue and three other airlines. All four really aren't getting off the ground until 2008 or later, so wake us when we get to our destination.
At this point we've been talking about potential in-flight broadband services for so long -- we'd prefer the industry to wake us when it arrives instead of teasing us with press nuggets. Allowed to take part in the maiden voyage of the airline's only Wi-Fi equipped plane today, CNET's Caroline McCarthy says Jet Blue's in-flight broadband service isn't worth writing home about just yet. Not only does the trial service restrict you to just IM and e-mail traffic, the e-mail doesn't even allow users to upload attachments:
The e-mail application is very light. You have access to your address book, but you can't send attachments, which is why you aren't seeing any awesome photos of me hanging out with the flight crew. It all reminded me of an ultra-low-end mobile browser, which leads me to the hack I found. Indeed, as I learned, it's Yahoo Mobile.
That means you can still get around the restriction on browsing mobile content, but it's still far from the in-flight broadband revolution you've been waiting for. Jet Blue is starting small, and from the sounds of it -- that's a good idea. PC World does a good job of breaking down the in-flight broadband services coming from Jet Blue and three other airlines. All four really aren't getting off the ground until 2008 or later, so wake us when we get to our destination.
Time Warner Customers Get Free Wi-Fi
Time Warner Customers Get Wi-Fi Hotspots
In a big win for a little Wi-Fi startup called Fon, Time Warner Cable Inc. will let its home broadband customers turn their connections into public wireless hotspots, a practice shunned by most U.S. Internet service providers.
Fon was founded in Spain in 1995 on the premise that people shouldn’t have to pay twice — once at home, then again in a coffee shop — for Internet access. At first, the company offered software that let members, called Foneros, turn Wi-Fi routers into shared access points, but it took hours to get up and running.
La Fonera splits a Wi-Fi connection in two: an encrypted channel for the Fonero and a public one for neighbors or passers-by. Foneros can decide how much of their bandwidth to share with the public and can log on to any Fon router without charge. “Aliens,” as Fon calls nonmembers, can register on a Web page and pay a modest $2 or $3 for 24 hours of access.
Joanna Rees, chief executive of Fon USA, said such rates at coffee shops, airports and hotels might work for a business person with an expense account but are too high for people who just want to quickly check e-mail, make a call on a Wi-Fi phone or play on a wireless video game device.
Starbucks Corp. and T-Mobile USA Inc. representatives responded that they provide a premium service, and that customers see value in paying for speed, security and reliability.
But until now, ISPs in the U.S. have resisted the Fon model. Most big companies’ end-user license agreements prohibit subscribers from sharing their connection outside the home or business. Verizon Communications Inc., for example, can terminate contracts if it finds an ad-hoc hotspot.
“It’s a dirty secret how much leeching” goes on, Rees said. She said ISPs should embrace Fon because the routers, which require that “aliens” enter a valid credit card number before getting online, put a sharp stop to the leeching. And getting free access to the worldwide network of La Fonera routers encourages people to get or keep a broadband connection at home.
Time Warner may be looking ahead to the not-so-distant future when some of the 300 or so municipal wireless projects — featuring free or at least inexpensive broadband — being considered today become reality.
In a big win for a little Wi-Fi startup called Fon, Time Warner Cable Inc. will let its home broadband customers turn their connections into public wireless hotspots, a practice shunned by most U.S. Internet service providers.
Fon was founded in Spain in 1995 on the premise that people shouldn’t have to pay twice — once at home, then again in a coffee shop — for Internet access. At first, the company offered software that let members, called Foneros, turn Wi-Fi routers into shared access points, but it took hours to get up and running.
La Fonera splits a Wi-Fi connection in two: an encrypted channel for the Fonero and a public one for neighbors or passers-by. Foneros can decide how much of their bandwidth to share with the public and can log on to any Fon router without charge. “Aliens,” as Fon calls nonmembers, can register on a Web page and pay a modest $2 or $3 for 24 hours of access.
Joanna Rees, chief executive of Fon USA, said such rates at coffee shops, airports and hotels might work for a business person with an expense account but are too high for people who just want to quickly check e-mail, make a call on a Wi-Fi phone or play on a wireless video game device.
Starbucks Corp. and T-Mobile USA Inc. representatives responded that they provide a premium service, and that customers see value in paying for speed, security and reliability.
But until now, ISPs in the U.S. have resisted the Fon model. Most big companies’ end-user license agreements prohibit subscribers from sharing their connection outside the home or business. Verizon Communications Inc., for example, can terminate contracts if it finds an ad-hoc hotspot.
“It’s a dirty secret how much leeching” goes on, Rees said. She said ISPs should embrace Fon because the routers, which require that “aliens” enter a valid credit card number before getting online, put a sharp stop to the leeching. And getting free access to the worldwide network of La Fonera routers encourages people to get or keep a broadband connection at home.
Time Warner may be looking ahead to the not-so-distant future when some of the 300 or so municipal wireless projects — featuring free or at least inexpensive broadband — being considered today become reality.
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