How to Connect Internet Laptop on the Road
Traveling, especially to unfamiliar territories, can have its disadvantages if you're trying to find a place at which you can get access to the Internet. Since most laptops as of 2010 contain built-in wireless adapter cards that automatically detect nearby wireless networks, most of the work is done for you by the laptop. However, it can help to prepare for going on the road by taking steps to make sure the Internet is readily accessible wherever you travel.
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Instructions
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Go online to Wi-Fi "hotspot" directories before leaving on a trip. Examples of these websites include JiWire Wi-Fi Finder, Wi-Fi-FreeSpot, OpenWiFiSpots and WeFi. Input the ZIP code or city and state to which you'll be traveling. Make a list of all Wi-Fi "hotspots" in the region you'll be traveling. Or, save the website to the computer's hard drive so it will be available when working "offline." Refer to this list when traveling to unfamiliar territory to find a Wi-Fi "hotspot" at which you can connect to the Internet.
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Reserve overnight stays only at hotels that offer free Wi-Fi or Internet service. Call the hotel before you pay for the reservation to make sure it offers Wi-Fi or broadband access to guests. Ask the hotel guest services agent whether accessing their Internet requires an Ethernet cable. Purchase an Ethernet cable to connect your laptop to the Internet at hotels that do not offer an "open" access point and require you to physically connect to the network.
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Open "Network Connections" on your laptop when not using the Internet at a public "hotspot," such as a restaurant or airport. Look at the list of available wireless networks your laptop's wireless adapter finds. Examine the "security type" description of the networks listed. Click on networks listed as "unsecured" and click the "Connect" button to obtain an Internet connection.
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Purchase a data or Internet access plan from a wireless carrier or Internet provider if you prefer to have an "always available" Internet connection when traveling. Call your cell phone carrier and ask about the price of data plans for your cell phone, telling the cell phone service provider that you wish to use your phone as an Internet modem for your laptop. Purchase the required USB cable to connect your phone to your laptop and connect the two devices when you want to surf the Internet. Or, purchase an Internet connection card or adapter from a company that offers monthly Internet subscriptions for a laptop, such as Cricket, AT&T or Verizon Wireless. Install the software from the provider on your laptop. Click "Connect" in the software application or from the list of available connections on your computer to use the Internet while on the road.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not use websites that require you to input personal, sensitive information (i.e., online banking sites) while using the Internet at a public "hotspot."
Do not connect your cell phone to your laptop to get an Internet connection without first confirming that you can do so with your cell phone carrier; otherwise, this process can incur unnecessary costs.
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