What do I need to use the Wireless Internet Access connection at a FREE HotSpot?

You'll need a wireless / Wi-Fi* enabled laptop or PDA device. Most recently manufactured laptops are configured for wireless and most come equipped with a wireless adapter card. Otherwise, you'll need to purchase an adapter card. ALL free-hotspot.com locations are equipped with 802.11b/g access points. Other FREE HotSpots that aren’t affiliated with free-hotspot.com may offer 802.11b only. You can confirm the access point protocol specification in our FREE HotSpot directory before visiting the site to be sure. When purchasing an adapter card for your laptop be sure to read the manufacturer’s specs for compatibility and interoperability information.

You can use a Wi-Fi signal sniffer like the Wi-Fi Seeker to see if there are any signals nearby before using your laptop to connect.

What if I need help connecting?

Some hints that should work in most locations –
1) Be sure to set your TCP/IP properties to "Obtain an IP address automatically" (DHCP).
2) Make sure your computer is not configured to automatically use a dial-up connection.
3) If requested, choose Infrastructure mode rather than ad-hoc mode.
4) Use the SSID name provided by the location or try choosing "any".
5) Turn encryption (WEP) off.
6) Make sure your battery is fully charged. Most FREE HotSpots will not have many wall plugs available for use by customers.

*"Wi-Fi" is a registered certification mark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. For more information about the Wi-Fi Alliance and its certification programs for 802.11-based products and services, please visit www.wi-fi.com.

What can I do at a FREE HotSpot?

The Wi-Fi wireless broadband connection available at a FREE HotSpot allows you to do anything you would do from home or the office. You can surf the Web, check your e-mail, connect to your Corporate network (if that service is available to you), make FREE Voice over IP phone calls, play online games, update your blog, and Instant Message (IM) with your friends. Best of all, FREE HotSpots usually offer broadband connection speeds. If you only have a modem dial-up account at home you'll probably end up spending more time at the FREE HotSpot once you see how much faster it is You may even give up your dial-up account and just use the FREE HotSpot when you want to go online.

(Note: Your ability to send e-mail from a FREE HotSpot is somewhat dependent on the policy of your local Internet Service Provider (ISP) that provides your home/office internet and e-mail access - some ISPs restrict the ability to send email when not connected to the Internet directly through them. If you have problems ask the FREE HotSpot location owner for their SMTP server info, or consider a web based e-mail account for use at a FREE HotSpot.)

Can I send and receive emails using FREE HotSpots?

FREE HotSpots provide fast wireless access to the internet. To send email you need to connect with your ISP's outgoing mail server. However, some ISPs don't allow users to connect directly to their outgoing mail servers from the internet because of security and spamming (junk email) concerns. It's therefore possible that you may have difficulty sending mail this way.

Is there a download limit?

No. FREE HotSpots are perfect for uploading or downloading large files at fast speed. Unlike Paid HotSpots usage isn’t based on time because it’s a FREE service.

Do I need to purchase goods or services before I can get FREE access in a FREE HotSpot?

Some locations might offer FREE access in exchange for a purchase but usually such a purchase is not necessary. Many Hotel/Motel/Resort locations restrict the FREE access to guests, especially if the access is in guest rooms only. Some locations may also have FREE Wi-Fi access in common areas like lobbies, restaurants and meeting rooms and this may be available to non-guests as well. Some wireless signals can even be picked up from the parking lot (see below).

Do I need to be inside a FREE HotSpot to pick up the signal?

The wireless signal in most indoor locations has a limited range of approximately 100-300 feet. The placement of the access point and the structure and layout of the locations will impact access to the signal. In some locations the signal probably will be available outside the location as well. Using an antenna with your laptop (if it is so equipped) might help to enhance the signal.

Thanks to our friends at wififreespot.com for their contributions to this page.