Wireless Internet Hotspots in the Twin Cities

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Free Wireless Internet Hotspots Around the Minneapolis and St. Paul Area

Mapped locations of free wireless internet (known as hotspots) in and around the Minneapolis and St. Paul area. Also, I'm including great books to help you get started.

About Free WiFi 

You can take advantage of free wireless internet (hotspots) at many locations through the Twin Cities area.

A hotspot is a venue that offers WiFi access. The general public can use a laptop, WiFi phone, or other compatible portable device to access the Internet.

Hotspots are often found at restaurants, train stations, airports, libraries, coffee shops, hotels, hospitals, bookstores, gas stations, department stores, supermarkets and many other public places. In addition, many universities and schools have wireless networks on their campus.

Of the estimated 150 million laptops, 14 million PDAs, and other emerging Wi-Fi devices sold per year for the last few years, most include the Wi-Fi feature.

What you need:

* A wireless adapter for your laptop computer OR a WiFi-ready laptop or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant - think "Palm Pilot")
* The location of a free WiFi network
* Some basic knowledge of accessing the wireless networks (see books below for more detailed help)

That's it!

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Map of Wireless Internet Hotspots in the Twin Cities 

These are all free

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WiFi Security and General Details to Keep in Mind 

There are a few things to keep in mind about some Free WiFi high speed internet access locations:

* It is normally an open, unsecured connection. Be careful not to access bank accounts or anything very personal, as you could be putting yourself at risk.
* The signal may not always be on or be strong. You may need to try to get closer to the wireless router/transmitter to pick up the signal.
* In fact, it may be from another location. Make sure you are accessing the correct network signal for the location. You may need to ask the staff what the name or SSID is for their router.
* Don't expect to get any support help from the staff. Some may not even know it exists!
* Don't expect to find many outlets to power your laptop. Make sure your battery is charged or bring a spare.
* Some people even drive around looking for wireless signals (sometimes known as 'wardrivers', when up to no good) to use for free.

 

Over-the-Road Wireless For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))

Over-the-Road Wireless For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))

by: E. Phil Haley

Amazon Price: $18.80 (as of 12/21/2009)Buy Now
List Price: $21.99
Used Price: $3.15

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

 

The Book of Wireless: A Painless Guide to Wi-Fi and Broadband Wireless

The Book of Wireless: A Painless Guide to Wi-Fi and Broadband Wireless

by: John Ross Dr

Amazon Price: $19.77 (as of 12/21/2009)Buy Now
List Price: $29.95
Used Price: $5.34

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

 

Wi-Fi Toys: 15 Cool Wireless Projects for Home, Office, and Entertainment (ExtremeTech)

Wi-Fi Toys: 15 Cool Wireless Projects for Home, Office, and Entertainment (ExtremeTech)

by: Mike Outmesguine

Amazon Price: (as of 12/21/2009)Buy Now
List Price: $35.00
Used Price: $12.95

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Wireless Adapters 

Typically, you would need to purchase a wireless adapter for your laptop computer. They are easy to use and usually just require you to insert it into your computer. You may need to install special software (called a driver) so your computer recognizes the adapter.

Some adapters slide into the PCI slot, while others use a USB connection (virtually all modern laptops have several USB ports).

 

Linksys WPC54GX4 Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX 400

Linksys WPC54GX4 Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SRX 400

Amazon Price: $43.19 (as of 12/21/2009)Buy Now
List Price: $79.99
Used Price: $25.00

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

 

D-Link DWA-652 Xtreme N Wireless Notebook Adapter Draft

D-Link DWA-652 Xtreme N Wireless Notebook Adapter Draft

Amazon Price: $59.82 (as of 12/21/2009)Buy Now
List Price: $72.99
Used Price: $13.00

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

 

Wireless G USB Network Adapter

Wireless G USB Network Adapter

Amazon Price: (as of 12/21/2009)Buy Now
List Price:
Used Price:

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Guestbook 

If you have one to suggest, please leave the address and name of the place and I'll make sure it's listed.

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  • Reply
    ArtSiren ArtSiren Jul 29, 2008 @ 8:08 pm
    Interesting lens. I use a wireless mobile dongle, and find it pretty slow.
    A while ago somebody was arrested by the police for sitting outside somebody's house, stealing access to their 'unsecured' wireless network! 'Wardrivers' eh? Never heard that name before. I just call them thieves. lol.
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