I think the first time you go to each hot spot or wherever you plan to connect at - you would probably have to go to the network set up & connection section in the control panel.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/win...nnect-now.aspx

I haven't taken my laptop to other places to use the wifi so not exactly sure about how to do that part of it. But the section in contra panel should take you set by step.

But you wouldn't want it on all the time and you wouldn't want to have an open connection. {meaning no security }
There's WEP , WPA & WPA2 and pass phrase that you can set up.

Our laptop with wifi just picks up whatever is around.

If more than one exists, it lists them, by strength, so you can choose. In fact this year the one we commonly use at the laundromat had two routers going. It was run as a free service by the town travel aid group for tourists.

Some wifi's require a set up--- the library where we go has that type. We didn't try it this year, so I don't know if they changed it.
But before it wouldn't work on FireFox-- only on IE. You can even pick up other people's routers, if they have not password encoded them.

Alot depends on the type of computer and its software you are using I think.

Hi Jo and Mrs. D.

First, let me address this.

"There's WEP , WPA & WPA2 and pass phrase that you can set up."

Do you really think I know what a WEP, A WPA, AND WPA2 is???

rofl

I am going to borrow my neighbor's laptop. She lives across the street and has NEVER used it.

If her granddaughter didn't take it, it's still in her house, and I'll borrow it. I will then go to McDonald's and see how it all works.

And if you think I know what I'm doing. FORGET IT!!!!

I need someone to invent a gadget, hand it to me, tell me, "Okay, lift the lid, press on the IE icon and you're good to go".

Not in my lifetime!!

lol lol lol lol

P.S. and if you think Alan is any help, the other night he yells "something is wrong with the remote for the cable, I can't switch the channel, and WHAT IS THAT MESSAGE ON THE SCREEN"?

I looked at the tv and I said "Fool!!! Can't you see it's set to autotune and you have to interrupt it?, what did you do, program it to autotune??"

He looks at me and says "What on earth are you talking about?".

I fixed it in two seconds.

I then looked at him and said "what would you do without me"?.

We both burst out laughing.

Oh, and this will make you laugh.

Last night I was around the corner visiting my friend and when I came home, Alan says to me "If I never made you feel appreciated, please know that I APPRECIATE YOU".

I said "what program are you watching to say that to me". He said 'Wife Swap".

I look at the woman on the tv and she was about 45, no teeth, not kempt, etc, and Alan said "oh my god, I love you".

I never laughed so hard in all my life.

Mel

here's some more info about public wifi and security -
http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/tutorials...le.php/3842921