debcook

Hotspots – what are they? Hotspots are wireless networks set up and operated by businesses to allow customers to use their personal WiFi enabled devices such as a laptop, PDA or Apple Touch to connect to the Internet. McDonalds’s restaurants, hotels, motels, libraries, bookstores, airports, coffee shops are some of the most common places to find Hotspots.

Most of the time these wireless hotspots are not free. Some require upfront payment before you are given access. You may buy a subscription, or you may pay with a credit card, gift card or PayPal.  Once payment is received a password will be provided to enable the wireless connection. Payments may cover a specific time limit such as two hours and others may cover a 24-hour time period.

Surfing the Web is a great way to pass time and to conduct research online but security is always an issue with these public Hotspots. Unless you are using a VPN connection your information will not be secure against anyone trying to steal information from a wireless network. Anyone that frequents Hotspots should only type in information that is not personal in nature such as usernames and passwords.

Hotspots can be searched out online. I suggest finding one before you need one. Just type in Hotspots in (whatever location) into your favorite browser and the results will be endless. If you need a Hotspot in a particular area and you do not see information online just make a call.