Webmaster Cricket, Mind if I give this nice person a little insight. I think he got a little confurustrated with all of the weird communication setups available. Please feel free to edit my post as you feel is apropriate.....
Fast Pass, there are a few types of wireless cards, and each configures in different ways. For Example, WebmasterAlex has a really cool network card that hooks into Cingular's cellular network. It may be a different company. He travels a lot, so he needs to be connected.
When People talk about WiFy, they are usually referring to 802.11B or 802.11G networks. There are many "Hot Spots". There are not many network nodes set up on highways; they were designed so an establishment (IE Starbuck's) can sell wireless access to individuals while they have their coffee. Each one has it's own ISP/Plan. I think you can buy a monthly plan that works in all Starbucks, but I am not sure about that.
Bluntly, A hot spot is a small location that you can access the internet from.
That being said, some companies/neighbors do not set security on their wireless networks, so you might very well be able to see the internet and connect to a neighbor's wireless network without their knowledge (there is a computer store a few miles away from my house that has an unsecured network that they let anyone connect to so that salespeople can download patches to a customer's laptop)
OK, as an example of how it works, let me tell you what to expect at WDW...(what you seemed to really want to know)
IF you are in a resort that has WiFy (there are only a few) you will call the number on the phone for internet connection and they will talk you through it...turn on your computer. Then, you will need to click on the wireless icon on the bottom right side of the taskbar. Look for the Disney Resort Connection (I don't remember what it is called) and connect to it. Next, you will need to go into Internet Explorer (you may have to adjust the settings so it tries to use the wireless network rather than dialup). You will go to a certain website where it will ask for a credit card and what plan you would like to use. After you "Pay the piper, you will have access to the wireless broadband connection for 24 hours (or whatever you sign up for) At the end of that time you will have the option to use it for another day. It may automatically bill your credit card if you log in the next day, but as I recall, it asked me.
The setup proceedure for a wired network is very similar at WDW, but there is a free phone call you can make where they will talk you through the setup...
OK, let me make sure I answered your questions...
Let's say I'm in Nashville. Say I'm on Interstate 24-could I pick up a free hotspot automatically(providing I have my wireless card configured properly)?
Probably not, unless you get a Cellular card. There are lot's of Hot Spots around (heck, even the McDonald's down the street has WiFy... it is a test market) Most Starbucks have Hot Spots.
Do all cities have a hotspot? There are some areas that are definitely small town hick vill U.S.A that I will be going through-does that mean I won't be able to connect or will I get disconnected?
Pretty much all major cities will have hot spots, but again, unless you are using Cellular you will not have a continuous signal.
One more question, If I'm in Disney and choose to access the WI-FI network will they charge me additional costs if say I want to access my e-mail in Kentucky?
Disney will charge you an access fee, but connecting to your KY e-mail depends on their setup. If it is a corporate server that you are behind, you will have to talk to your IT person. If it is a YAHOO account, you shouldn't have any trouble.
I guess I'm asking if Disney will charge me long distance?
If you use Dialup service, and the number isn't local, YOU BETCHA they will happily take lots of money. If you choose the Dialup route, make sure that you have a local access number. I would also call the front desk and find out how much each local call is (and if they charge an extra fee for long connections; some hotels charge lots to make connections and lots to keep a persistant one. I forget what the Disney Resorts rules/charges are.
I lied,just thought of another question. In the article you linked me to(thanks by the way) it said that some ISPs will automatically configure your card for you. If by chance mine can't be automatically configured will I have to by something much more expensive to get the card configured?
Webmaster Cricket Is indeed one of the most knowledgable IT professionals I know, but if you can't get to the internet, you cannot get his excellent advice on how to set up your computer.
Actually, as I stated earlier, ISP's are in it to make money. If you cannot get connected, they cannot charge you. There is always some form of support available. The one time I used WiFy at WDW, there was a free number to call and I think there was also 24X7 support.
Okay,I promise no more questions. Sorry to be a pain in the butt but it is such an expensive purchase for me I don't want to risk the notebook just sitting in the closet doing nothing.Thanks for all your help.
Can't help you there; My DW would rather play at WDW than let me Surf. When I got engaged there, we posted a report here on the Dis, Some Pictures, and she made me cut it off. Time at WDW is too valueable to waste doing something that you do every night from home. I need the laptop in case I get a problem I need to log into my corporate network on that nobody else in my office can fix. It happens...I would suggest if the e-mail is that important, have a friend check it and call your cell phone (there isn't great reception all over, but getting a voicemail while on vacation is OK if they can't attend to whatever needs attending to) if you are needed. One time our phone system went out (while I was at Disney Studios) They called cell phone to cell phone and neededa tech dispatched sooner than immediately. I was stuck in a Designated Smoking Area for a half an hour setting up a trouble ticket and sending help. I got good reception there and I didn't want to loose the call.
OK? If you have any more questions, please feel free to PM me or post back in this thread...
