WiFi service in MD.

[uncas]

I realize that I asked this before.
Have just bought the card for WiFi but it appears that before I install the software, I have to sign up with an exisitng company...There appear to be several in the Chesapeake Bay region. Any suggestions as to which one may be better?
I am hoping that there is one out there that does not require a contract for a year or more as I will only be using this on Uncas while doing research for my second book and really do not want to pay for this service while watching the snow fly in Jan.
jamj

[Don Z.]

Not sure about a company, but the City Dock Cafe in Annapolis offers it at a "ten minute" or some such basis. Don't even know the price, but it seems you could use that to get your card working and then...

But I could be all wet. I just like sitting there and looking at the boats.

[uncas]

Don Z
Probably what I am looking for is the company the cafe is hooked up to....
From what I understand, WiFi is a bit like a party line...as long as you have a # ( a membership ) with some company, it would not matter who you pick up in a harbor even if it isn't your server...I just need to get that number to install the softwear...
Will try to follow through though on your thought.
jamj

[P.I. Stazzer-Newt]

Google for war walking or wardriving.

See www.netstumbler.com (http://www.netstumbler.com) and www.stumbler.net (http://www.stumbler.net) .

Its a live-action rock-and-roll world out there.

[George Roberts]

uncas ---

You can install your wi-fi card without paying anyone.

But if you want to access the internet through someone's wi-fi connection, you should expect to pay.

The Pilot gas stations have wi-fi access in their parking lots. They charge.

The Pantera Bread Company (a local cafe chain) has free wi-fi access for customers. Go early, eat a long breakfast, and work.

The library near us has free wi-fi access.

[uncas]

PIS-Newt....Thanks from another scot...
Afraid your moniker is a bit too long...
jamj

[uncas]

George Roberts:
Am looking at the instruction book for installation of the softwear...It requires a SSID #. Was told this was a WiFi account # I needed to put in..hence a membership with some WiFi company...No membership...no account number...no SSID # whatever that is.
Can this be bypassed?
jamj

[George Roberts]

uncas ---

Cannot help you there.

What software is this? It sounds like AOL or a similar service.

Using WindowsXP I just plugged in my wi-fi card and the drivers were installed. Then the card started looking for wi-fi networks.

[uncas]

George...I have Windows XP...
Have yet to install the software...Unlike many people I know, I read the intructions first..perhaps the wrong approach.
Anyway, I bought a 2.4 GHz ( 802.11g ) Wireless G Notebook Adapter.(Linksys)
Reading the instructions.....I put in the disc first and follow the procedure outlined...
The disc starts out with the nec. Infrastructure Mode...whatever that is... alternative Ad Hoc
( mode )Know my latin so I can translate that...
Goes to Enter the SSID # whatever that is.
Then it refers to bits...( 64-bit WEP, 128-bit WEP or WPA-PSK
You got me...The intructions have gotten to me...
jamj
Perhaps with Windows EX I can skip everything although it states in the instructions that this has to be done prior to putting in the chip.

[P.I. Stazzer-Newt]

Infrastructure Mode versus ad hoc.
Is about whether or not you will be using a WAP (wireless access point).
An "ad hoc" network has no WAP - you have to set channel numbers and other options.
The SSID is a text string which identifies a particular wap this can be changed or added to later - so don't fret about it.
Something like "uncasWiFi" will do to get the card in and running, after that netstumbler can be used to discover the settings you really need.

I assume you have network at home, if you have broadband (adsl/cable) then adding your own WAP to the network is fairly painless, and nowadays cheap. I have a combined ADSL modem, router, WAP thingy cost about £75 back in April and provides Hi-speed access from the end of the garden.

[uncas]

PIS-Newt...Thank you....
Before I go about installing this...just one more question ( I don't have wireless at home by the way )...If I do go to ad hoc...I am making an assumption that if I am in a harbor, I will pick up what is there automatically and will netstumbler determine...at any location..what I need or what is available...?
All the info from you has helped a lot.
jamj

[P.I. Stazzer-Newt]

Don't go ad-hoc. This is used to connect together a small number of PCs without providing access for every Tom, Dick and Harry.

A WAP is positiond centrally to provide access to all authorised users in an area - and can be configured to provide access to anyone with the wit to use it.

My local MacDonalds has WAP, I can sit in the car park and use it for free. This is not as mad as it sounds - sooner or later I'm going to buy a burger or coffee.

Slap the card in - follow any instructions to install the drivers, and Network Connections/properties can provide the search capability.