Look, Ma, No Wires

ACCESSING THE INTERNET while on the road isn't just for executives and techies anymore. Today, travelers from college kids to seniors are checking email, searching for local restaurants, finding local movie listings, streaming news and videos, and more while on vacation.

Wireless Internet service (WiFi) has grown considerably, and the technology required to access it has made staying connected surprisingly easy. High-speed wireless Internet has been around since the late 1990s. Since then, it has evolved from two megabits per second (Mbps) to 54 Mbps. What that really means is that now you can stream video and music and transfer files much faster than before. The key is in knowing what you need to have with you in order to access it.

Story by Patrick Hunter

Photos by Alicia Spooner and Barbara Grano

The Gear

First, you need a wireless-capable Mac or PC laptop computer. If your laptop is not out-of-the-box wireless, you can add a wireless receiver in your PC's PCMIA slot or use a USB adapter.

Different operating sys-tems act differently with wireless connections. The Mac OS X operating system as well as the Windows Vista will identify any available WiFi hotspot and will ask your permission to connect. Windows XP does not automatically recognize wireless connections; Microsoft recommends that you use the drivers that came with your wireless device to identify and connect to any available WiFi hotspots. If your laptop had wireless when you purchased it, its drivers were automatically installed and you should be able to connect easily.

Location

You can generally find WiFi hotspots at local coffee shops, libraries, and hotels. Some places will advertise WiFi availability. In others, like coffee shops, it has come to be expected, so you may not see it posted in the window. The easiest way to determine if a WiFi connection is available is to just start your laptop. Today, most hotels offer free WiFi as part of your stay. It's a great way to research restaurants, access your e-mail, or chat with friends. When you check in, be sure to ask the front desk if there is anything that you will need to connect to their wireless service.

Keep in mind that most wireless hotspots prevent certain types of service. You may not be able to transfer large files or stream music on public hotspots. This is because only a certain amount of bandwidth is available for the WiFi connection and those services can eat up lots of it. To make sure there is enough band-width for everyone, most public providers disable those services.

Some Tips

You will want to have a good bag for your laptop to protect it as you travel. Always carry an AC power adapter with you, too. It never fails that your battery goes before you are ready. It's also a good idea to carry an Ethernet cable. I'd recommend one that's at least 10 feet long or longer. Sometimes the sign will say WiFi or high-speed Internet, but when you try to connect, you may discover that you need to plug into a jack to access the Internet.

Final Bits

WiFi allows you to stay connected and allows you to get information for your trip. Most of the time it works great when you are on the road. Sometimes it does not, but keep in mind that coffee-shop baristas usually don't have access to the wireless technology that their businesses offer, so take it easy on them if the wireless does not work. Also, if you decide to access the Internet at a coffee shop or restaurant, it's good form to buy a drink. Those businesses offer Internet access as a courtesy to patrons. It makes good sense to support them with a purchase, so that they can continue to offer that service.

As you plan your next trip, be sure to pack your laptop. You might be surprised at how having access to the Internet can enhance your travel experience.