Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2005 08:16:18 -0700
Reply-To: "Matthew C. Huntley" <matthew.huntley@STRATHBOGIE.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: "Matthew C. Huntley" <matthew.huntley@STRATHBOGIE.NET>
Subject: Re: Internet access using a cell phone
In-Reply-To: <a06020400be97f1c81fa9@[10.0.0.107]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
Wifi is Everywhere. My own research shows that only maybe 40% of the
people have any sort of protection or prevention of other people using
their resources. However, It is still illegal to to so without
permission.If you are scanning for open connection, do not be blatant
about it, and keep the laptop screen out of the view of the Driver(At
least in California, new law). However there are many places giving it
away, and many citites are doing so as well. The Schlotskys chain is
giving it away for free, so look up their site, and see how many are on
the way. Just be aware, that most ones that give it away, want you to
login first. This means keeping track of the ID's you make, incase you
pass that way again.
Good Luck, and say HI if you are in SoCal!
Matt
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM] On Behalf
Of Paul Guzyk
Sent: Friday, April 29, 2005 7:30 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Internet access using a cell phone
>Solutions:
>(1) a notebook computer with a wifi card enable us to connect at free
>access places and we could even purchase the access plans available at
>truck stops along the way. The problem with this is that I have to hunt
>and find a place with wifi Internet access.
Even if you have a cellphone for internet, make sure you take along a
wifi compatible laptop. You'd be amazed at how many places have
"free" wi-fi. Not just coffee shops and other businesses, sometimes you
can just park on the street near someones house and use the
Internet that leaks from their house. Around 50% of the people with
wireless routers don't put passwords on their networks. Since people
pay a flat rate for their Internet, I don't feel guilty using it for a
few minutes since it won't impact them financially.
Also, mid range motels along interstates all seem to be adding wi-fi.
Just pull into their parking lot for a few minutes to check your email.
Easier and more plentiful than truck stops.
It's worth getting a pocket "wi-fi scanner" to check for signals without
having to setup your laptop. You just drive slowly down the street until
the light turns green, then park and check your email.
Try and get one of the new wi-fi scanners that searches for wide open
unsecured networks (i.e. no password needed). That will ensure no false
expectations.
Or, if you have a passenger in your Westy (Vanagon content), have them
watch the laptop and get software like netstumbler to help with your
"war driving". You'll be amazed at how many wi-fi networks are out
there...
http://wiki.personaltelco.net/index.cgi/NetStumbler
