Wireless link

Post by **Tracey** » Fri Mar 03, 2006 12:25 am

I have a borrowed laptop. On it there is a wireless link icon. In London and other areas i know there are areas that have signals that enable you to get onto the web for free without a service provider all legal ! (Starbucks leaflet says so and anyone that does a soya decafe latte i trust !)
So can anyone tell me how i do this or if its possible. I am not exactly a numpty or scared of messing about on a pc but i cant work out how to do it or if its possible or the laptop is lacking something essential - and i lost the Starbucks leaflet explaining the hows etc!
If it makes a difference its got Windows XP Proffessional on it. I would appreciate replies in simple terms please 8-[

Or does this wireless icon mean something else, ie to do with home wireless set up

Over to you ............................

Post by **joette** » Fri Mar 03, 2006 12:44 am

Tracey we have been getting home networked this last few days-less competition for the PC.
As I know nothing about puters a very kind friend has been doing it.I know he had to fiddle around & came back this evening with another piece of equipment which increases the signal to the PC.
if nobody else more knowledgeable helps you in the meantime I will ask him or the 14 year old to explain it to me tomorrow-we are having Fish Suppers for tea so will bribe him with that! No he will help gladly.
Both boys have been stars this week with Mum& Dad both at opposite sides of the World(to us & each other.) They have been waking me up on time to see them off to school & doing homework without a murmur & not fighting-hey help they have been replaced by replicas from Mars(where my missing rellies have been living for the past hundred odd years-Census&BMD info should arrive about the time of the 1851 on SP)

Post by **Tracey** » Fri Mar 03, 2006 12:55 am

Joette

If all else fails i will be calling on you ! as said i am not a numpty at these matters but cant see anything that could connect me to anything except a blood pressure monitor !! Just make sure your your young man has plenty of Ketchup (maybe not, too much sugar !) or extra chips !

Tracey

Post by **joette** » Fri Mar 03, 2006 9:21 am

Tracey will get him onto the case when he returns from school.
I will get him to explain it all or it will me that will need the Spgyanometer
& my Blood pressure rocketing off into the stratusphere.

JustJean · Post by **JustJean** » Fri Mar 03, 2006 2:42 pm

Hello Tracey and Joette

I'll be interested to hear how this gets sorted for you. Have had some interesting wireless experiences on this side of the pond most recent of which was getting a new office computer and upgrading to DSL simultaneously while singing "I will survive" under my breath. My home set-up though has wireless and if you have a laptop with a wireless card you are good to go. (I think this cost about $30? for the little doohickey but didn't buy it myself so can't confirm....the one for hubbies pc was about $50) Daughter comes home from college and roams about with laptop. Daughter also discovered she could "borrow"

a decent enough signal at her apartment at college from some kindly neighbor (name unknown)....only until she and her housemates could get their own installation mind you

Same for participating cafes and such. Take the laptop and surf whilst you enjoy a latte.

Best wishes
Jean
ps....but you have it already figured....if in doubt ask someone under 12....

Post by **Merlot** » Fri Mar 03, 2006 4:10 pm

Tracey,

found this
http://starbucks.co.uk/en-GB/_Our+Store ... rbucks.htm

Merlot

Post by **joette** » Fri Mar 03, 2006 6:19 pm

Looks like Merlot pipped me to the post.I don't understand all this technology-my Mother tried to explain it all to me-I don't think she has ever used a computer but she understands the principles behind it all.
I take after the Luddite side of the family although love the advantages that technology brings.
Hope your off & running.I declined a lap-top on the grounds I couldn't use the controls-then Andrew(14) told me you could use an ordinary mouse on it

Post by **Merlot** » Fri Mar 03, 2006 11:10 pm

Hi,
I'm using Juniors lap top just now, only because I'm in bed with the flu. I networked it with a router and a pc card, however, I don't know how you work the "hot spot" thingy.
A mouse is definately a must this wee button is driving me mad.
Cheers,
Merlot

Post by **Tracey** » Fri Mar 03, 2006 11:20 pm

Sorry your unwell Merlot. A mouse is a definite must, i couldnt work my way round without one. Looking up today it seems i need to look at a different icon on the bottom tray bit of the screen and its from that you find your signal

but the laptop is charging in another room at the moment so cant check. Found a site today called "How to do stuff " and its been the clearest web explanation so far, just have to put it into practice now

Tracey

JimM · Post by **JimM** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 1:26 am

There is a Wi-Fi access point (hot-spot) at the Mitchell..

but I've not taken my 'puter along to try it out yet

Jim