How to Get Free Wi-Fi Service at Home
Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) is wireless Internet access, and most computers made today come with Wi-Fi adapters. With Wi-Fi, you can get online without having to download any programs or upload any devices. With a laptop that is Wi-Fi enabled, you can pick up wireless Internet anywhere there is service. You can often find free Wi-Fi service at home, depending on your location.
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Instructions
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Turn on your computer and enable your wireless. Some computers have a wireless button that looks like an antenna or a computer and it might say "Wireless." Make sure it is turned on so your computer can receive wireless signals.
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Click on the "View available wireless networks" icon on the lower right-hand side of your computer. This is sometimes an antenna-shaped icon, and sometimes it looks like a small computer.
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Scroll through the list of Wi-Fi networks that's generated. In a densely populated area, like an apartment building, chances are that there are plenty of signals around you. These might include free signals for your building or from your city, or signals from your neighbors. If a signal has more than one bar of service and it does not have a padlock on it, you can click on it and connect to the service.
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Tips & Warnings
Most computers manufactured after 2004 or 2005 have built-in wireless capabilities, and the majority of computers made after 2000 will as well. Double-check your computer's instruction book, or talk to a computer expert about your particular computer.
It is always a good idea to ask around to see if you can get permission for using signals. If someone has a padlock on their signal, or a locked signal, you can ask for a network key and log into the free Wi-Fi.
When you find free Wi-Fi, e aware that it is non-secure. While this means that you can log on and post information, it also means that the connection is open for others to do the same. You could be putting your computer and your data at risk by logging on to a non-secure connection.
References
- Photo Credit laptop image by Jorge Figueiredo from Fotolia.com
