wireless access points

[colinicky]

Ok treat this as a "haven't got a clue" question !
I have a laptop that has wireless capabilities .I understand that certain areas in certain towns are "wireless hotspots" where I can supposedly connect to the internet .
What do I need to do to use this service ? do I need a different isp to my home one ? (currently sky ) or do I not need one at all ? or .....what ?

[DannyB]

Originally Posted by colinicky

Ok treat this as a "haven't got a clue" question !
I have a laptop that has wireless capabilities .I understand that certain areas in certain towns are "wireless hotspots" where I can supposedly connect to the internet .
What do I need to do to use this service ? do I need a different isp to my home one ? (currently sky ) or do I not need one at all ? or .....what ?

Depends on the service... Some are free and you don't need anything, you just turn the wireless on and connect to the network it finds. Some of them charge, depends on the network as to how you pay, anything from go to their default web page and give them your credit card (and sometimes your soul!) others can be buy a meal/beer and get given a password that will allow you to connect for free.

HTH

Danny

[gibbon]

be very cautious about handing over your CC details on a web page that pops up offering WIFI access... it is a classic scam.

BT Openzone

BT Openzone is probably the best way of getting a proper service, otherwise stick to ones that are freely accessible just be careful what data you send over them that is not encrypted.

[milldog]

If you have the BT system then any BT Openworld point you can access for free, others you will pay online at the home page that comes up or from the hotel reception area

Graham

[colinicky]

Where can I find a map of what services are where & which are free ones ?

[Stesh]

Originally Posted by colinicky

Where can I find a map of what services are where & which are free ones ?

There where you see these signs:-

[David Wallace]

Originally Posted by colinicky

Where can I find a map of what services are where & which are free ones ?

You can add this to your map...... Hotel Aqua has free access for its customers. Just ask reception for the password.

[David Wallace]

Originally Posted by colinicky

Ok treat this as a "haven't got a clue" question !
I have a laptop that has wireless capabilities .I understand that certain areas in certain towns are "wireless hotspots" where I can supposedly connect to the internet .
What do I need to do to use this service ? do I need a different isp to my home one ? (currently sky ) or do I not need one at all ? or .....what ?

You may have trouble if your using a POP account for mail and try using it with a hotspot - (free or paid). Unless you know the smtp setting for the provider you will not be able to send mail. Once you know which provider the broadband is supplied by its normally fairly easy to find the right settings. (Once you find out you need to that is)

cheers

[Scubee]

Originally Posted by milldog

If you have the BT system then any BT Openworld point you can access for free, others you will pay online at the home page that comes up or from the hotel reception area

Graham

I didn't think the BT was free. I have a number of credits thanks to having BT Broadband, but I understood that it was a paid for service.

Not that I have used it much. Occasional coffee in Costa, and the pub next to the dive centre has it, but in most of the hotels I have had the misfortune to stay in, i have had to pay to use theirs.

[lloydwatkin]

Here's another provider: The Cloud | Europe’s leading WiFI hotspot and WLAN network operator