I was thinking of getting an Ipod Touch. One of its useful features is wireless Internet browsing. How common is it to find open wifi around the area? I wouldn't be heavily using it due to the small screen, I'd just want to check email or Google something when I'm not at home. Are open wifi hotspots common, be they business or residential?

Right now in my house I'm picking up 7 neighbor's networks, all encrypted. Is it common for people to have open networks anymore? (Just for looking up stuff when away from home, nothing nefarious.)

residential networks are only encrypted because they started selling routers with that option enabled by default.


"the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish."

I can see about 9 networks in my neighborhood. All protected. You dont usualy find one that is wide open for the public.

Have fun wasting your money, but to answer your question, you can find free wifi at Starbucks (sometimes), the Reston YMCA, and a few others.

I've never used this site, but you may find it useful.

[www.openwifispots.com]

Gravis Wrote:
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> residential networks are only encrypted because
> they started selling routers with that option
> enabled by default.


Very true, but only WEP encryption

Starbucks, MickeyDs

The county libraries

i am surprised they even offer free wi-fi. I understand to get customers. But don't they hold the responsibility for whatever that person does on their network. Also, if your checking your email on a unprotected network your password and personal info may be up for grabs

boredom Wrote:
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> Have fun wasting your money..

I got one, it Rocks, and i hate mac stuff..

I pod touch rocks for airplane trips...

land line FTW Wrote:
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> i am surprised they even offer free wi-fi. I
> understand to get customers. But don't they hold
> the responsibility for whatever that person does
> on their network. Also, if your checking your
> email on a unprotected network your password and
> personal info may be up for grabs


In order to use their wi-fi, you have to agree to their rules of use. Pretty standard stuff, so they can protect themselves from lawsuits. As for protecting your password, that's your problem.


Most residential wifi's aren't open anymore, as previously posted, the routers come with it closed now. Used to be the other way around, so there are still a few here and there.

Places for free wifi:

Starbucks
McD's
Panera
Many local hotels
public libraries
Some fitness centers (lifetime fitness cafe, for example)
Borders and Borders cafes
Barnes & Noble
Amphora Diner
Corner Bakery's
Local Hospitals
Silver Diner
Wegmans
Foster's Grill
Brion's Grille


Just a few. YMMV

Annon Imous Wrote:
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>
> Right now in my house I'm picking up 7 neighbor's
> networks, all encrypted. Is it common for people
> to have open networks anymore? (Just for looking
> up stuff when away from home, nothing nefarious.)


If you aren't having any luck with residential points, hotels and coffee shops have non secure wireless that you can pick up in the parking lot. Even Staples has free internet.

KeepOnTruckin Wrote:
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> Gravis Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > residential networks are only encrypted because
> > they started selling routers with that option
> > enabled by default.
>
>
> Very true, but only WEP encryption


actually, i think the newer ones stopped using WEP as the default and use AES instead.


"the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish."