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Thread ID: 94167 2008-10-17 06:39:00 Wifi 101, some info please... John W (523) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
712838 2008-10-17 06:39:00 Hi there

We have recently installed a Wifi syatem here at home, password protected etc. But im wondering whats gong to happen when we stay at a motel or holiday complex that advertises free Wifi, and I want to connect.

How will I enable a new "session" at the motel, do I open a Wifi connection tab in my EeePC and enter the motel supplied password (assuming they supply / have one) then when we return home re-enter the home password.

Thanks

John in Mosgiel.
John W (523)
712839 2008-10-17 06:41:00 It should pick it up, when youre near a hotspot.

Just connect to it, if it isnt password protected
Speedy Gonzales (78)
712840 2008-10-17 06:49:00 i Just connect to it, if it isnt password protected

Is that legal, as my computer picked up a wireless one tonight?
supergran (108)
712841 2008-10-17 07:00:00 Hi there

We have recently installed a Wifi syatem here at home, password protected etc. But im wondering whats gong to happen when we stay at a motel or holiday complex that advertises free Wifi, and I want to connect.

How will I enable a new "session" at the motel, do I open a Wifi connection tab in my EeePC and enter the motel supplied password (assuming they supply / have one) then when we return home re-enter the home password.

Thanks

John in Mosgiel.

Are you using the Linux or Windows XP version of the Eee PC?

For the Windows XP one, when you're at the motel your Eee PC should automatically detect the network. You can connect to it by opening up the wireless connection area (right click on the icon in the system tray, click on "View available wireless networks", then click on the motel's network and hit connect. It'll prompt you to enter their WEP/WPA key (or "password") if they have one. When you come home it should still have saved your old settings, so you won't need to set it up again.

For the Linux one, I think the process is very similar. I've got XP on my Eee PC, however I recall that the Xandros had a wireless network configuration area where you could add a new network (i.e. the motel's), set it up, and away it goes. When you get home, you just switch back to your original one.
somebody (208)
712842 2008-10-17 07:31:00 i Just connect to it, if it isnt password protected

Is that legal, as my computer picked up a wireless one tonight?

Its not legal just to connect to a network, even if it is unsecured without the owner's permission.
beeswax34 (63)
712843 2008-10-17 08:18:00 When you do connect to one, be very careful about not doing any internet banking or personal stuff online. lakewoodlady (103)
712844 2008-10-17 21:06:00 When you do connect to one, be very careful about not doing any internet banking or personal stuff online.

Wireless is safe when you use WPA or WPA2 though...
utopian201 (6245)
712845 2008-10-17 21:17:00 Wireless is safe when you use WPA or WPA2 though...

It's safe (enough) from people sniffing the network, but once it leaves the wireless access point it could go through dodgy proxy servers or whatever on the way to the internet, which WPA/WPA2 does not protect you from.
somebody (208)
712846 2008-10-18 07:27:00 Thank you for your answer Beeswax. I didn't think it was legal, but thought I would ask here, as i could access it, as I tried, and it took me online, but I came back off in a hurry. LOL supergran (108)
712847 2008-10-18 07:31:00 You could use a program like WiFI Radar which will scan and conect you to any open wifi access point.

I tested it lastnight conencted easily to local hotspots.
apsattv (7406)
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