How to Find Local WiFi Hotspots

Find WiFi hot spots with your laptop.

A Wi-Fi hot spot uses wireless technology so computer users can gain access to the Internet via the use of either a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN). People can surf the Web unfettered using radio waves sent out by a network. To use those waves, they just need a laptop with an internal or external wireless adapter. You can find Wi-Fi hot spots virtually everywhere these days.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access
• Laptop

Instructions

1. Go to a public location. Many libraries and book stores have Wi-Fi hot spots for customers. Find a spot to sit and open your laptop.

2. Check your computer. Be sure your wireless capability is on. Go to your Control Panel and then double-click on the icon that reads "Network Connections." Double-click on "Network and Sharing Center" if using Windows Vista.

3. Right-click the icon next to the phrase "Wireless Network Connection." Wait for a drop-down or pop-up menu to appear. Click on the word "Enable." Use the "Connect to a Network" link for Vista. Follow those prompts to find a Wi-Fi hotspot.

4. Reboot your computer if it does not automatically find a Wi-Fi hot spot after you have enabled your wireless adapter. It might need to refresh after you changed your computer settings. Wait for your systems to come back up.

5. Hover your mouse pointer over an icon at the bottom-right of your screen. It will look like two computer monitors. Right-click the icon and choose "Connect to Network." Wait for a window to appear and then scroll through a list of hot spot choices.

6. Opt to use your laptop's automatic repair feature if you do not yet find a hot spot. Right-click the same icon at the bottom side of your screen---the one with two computer monitors. Click on "Diagnose and Repair." Wait for the Windows Network window to appear. Follow those prompts.

Tips & Warnings

• Many hotels, motels and airlines with Wi-Fi hot spots require consumers buy an access card before they can go onto the Internet. Fees generally start at about $2.

• Many hot-spots work with both secure and unsecured networks. It may be difficult to access a secure network without a password. Ask a desk clerk for an access or pin number if using a Wi-Fi hot spot at a hotel or motel, for example.

• Be careful when using a public network. It may be easy for others to access your personal information.

References

• Microsoft Home Magazine: Hook Up to a Wireless Hotspot
• Intel: Locate a Hotspot

Resources

• JiWire: Global Wi-Fi Finder