Best practices for computer use while traveling & campin

[sdtripper2]

This can be a spot to have BEST PRACTICES for LAPTOP COMPUTERS use while on the road.

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Wanting a thread to discuss at length best practices for computer use. I will list a couple of links that might help people find Wireless Network Connectivity = WiFi hot spots, while they are on the road to keep tabs on this forum as well as their email.

Here are my first two Best Practice ideas.

1) World wide WiFi hotspots by country/city and or zipcode here

2) RV-NET updated PDF file of WiFi hot spots by USA & Canadian campgrounds here

Maybe others could place best practice computer links and advice here for those that are wanting to use laptops while traveling & camping?

[Classic Finn]

As I spend 2 weeks out of every month onboard a ship...After working hours its time to relax and check as well as send email thru our mobile telephone hooked up to the labtop since It costs so much to use the onboard ship computer via satellite...

There are mobile phone stations and providers almost all the way between Finland and Germany.. except 3 hours or so it blackens out...
During this time I try to communicate home...and log onto the web.

Also I can use my labtop to accurately pinpoint our Location at Sea with
a specific program that is available onboard but I can use my own computer to check from my cabin instead of running to the Bridge to
read the navigational equipment.... As well as receiving accurate weather
reports and ice conditions..


Classic Finn

[Kevin A]

While traveling to and from the ITG gathering in Minden last year, I found that most of the KOA campgrounds had wi-fi connections. The fees varied.

[angib]

Steve,

This post on the FiberglassRV forum might be of interest to you: Air Cards

Now I'm assuming you can read threads there as a guest. If not, say, and I'll copy it.

Andrew

[catrinka]

Do I need anything special to be able to use WiFi while travelling? Or will my laptop automatically seek out signals that are available?

[madjack]

Do I need anything special to be able to use WiFi while travelling? Or will my laptop automatically seek out signals that are available?

...your laptop has to have a WiFi card or be factory enabled to doso...................................................

[Boodro]

Hey Cat , if you have a Wifi laptop, youcan usualy find a Wifi point in larger towns & cities. Some times you can pick up a signal just drving around town & pick up a private link from somebodies house. So many users have them in the house & don't do any kind of security or blocking, & you can use their point. Just a thought.

[madjack]

Hey Cat , if you have a Wifi laptop, youcan usualy find a Wifi point in larger towns & cities. Some times you can pick up a signal just drving around town & pick up a private link from somebodies house. So many users have them in the house & don't do any kind of security or blocking, & you can use their point. Just a thought.

...a point...this is illegal...it is called, theft of services...however your chances of being caught and prosecuted range from small to nil...however it is still illegal and not recommended
madjack

[Boodro]

I never said it WAS LEGAL! Nowhere in my post did I even mention it! I stated facts , thats all!

[madjack]

I never said it WAS LEGAL! Nowhere in my post did I even mention it! I stated facts , thats all!

Boo, I never said, you said it WAS LEGAL! Nowhere in my post did I even mention it! I stated facts, that's all
madjack

[asianflava]

No kidding, it's actually a felony to use somebody else's Wi-Fi. It still didn't stop me, from checking my e-mail when I was out of town.

The way I see it, if they don't secure it then they are opening it up to everybody. How can you tell if it's a buisness (that allows people to logon) or an individual when they all say "Linksys".

I was playing with the USB GPS I got for my laptop. My computer found 6 networks from my driveway! Of those 6, 4 were secure. Some people must be getting serious range from their router. All the lots in my neighborhood are 1/2 acre so the houses are pretty spread out (compared to other neighborhoods).

[bg]

I've had my wireless network wide open for the 10 months I've been here, Never had anyone try and log in and there's only one other network I can find.

When I'm away, I either use the dialup account provided with my DSL service or Usually find a whataburger with Wi-Fi access or an unsuspecting hotel parking lot EconoLodge generally has theirs wide open.

[toypusher]

I've had my wireless network wide open for the 10 months I've been here, Never had anyone try and log in and there's only one other network I can find..

Do you have logging turned on and track it?? How do you know nobody has used your service??? I can pickup my neighbor's wifi and surf the net without him knowing that I was using it! NO loging required on an open wifi network. Just wondering about yours.

[Sonetpro]

I've had my wireless network wide open for the 10 months I've been here, Never had anyone try and log in and there's only one other network I can find.

I can use just about anybody's. If it's secure I can run my corporate VPN to tunnel thru. BG you don't have to log in. Just using your connection doesn't require logging in, Your computer has already done that.
Here's a link to find free wi-fi spots.
http://www.wififreespot.com/

[JunkMan]

OK, so how do you increase the security of you personal wireless network? We just got a laptop and added a wirless router to our system, but I know nothing about setting the security on it. Do I need top add security software, or just change some of the router settings?