A patron asked me about “Free WiFi” and how to connect to it. In case anyone has the same question:
If you are going somewhere on campus, or to a conference, or out for coffee (see sites listed at http://www.wififreespot.com/ar.html ) and you have WiFi on your cell phone, PDA or laptop, then you may be able to connect to the Internet without charge. Many hotels have free WiFi for customers — ask for codes at the registration desk or conference desk.
WARNING
- Free WiFi does not require a subscription, but it is not especially secure.
- Do not access web sites that require a password. Take a look at the FBI warnings — http://www.fbi.gov/page2/may08/wifi_050608.html – for some issues.
PROCEDURE
- Use your WiFi scanner (on Windows, look for “Wireless Network Connection,” on a Palm, use the the small 4-bar icon on the bottom of the main screen) to find sites.
- Scan for/Setup networks. A lock icon indicates a secure network that reuires a user name and password. Connect.
- Open your browser.
Other places, such as airplines or Barnes and Noble, have fee-based access. Airport free-WiFi usually requires registration, and a great deal of personal information.
WiFi Nearing Takeoff:Airlines Compete to Offer Web Surfing in the Skies-See http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/05/AR2008080501793.html?hpid=sec-tech for more info.
Shared with Mari’s permission.
Wireless Access for UA Medical Students
The University of Arizona College of Medicine provides network access from various locations throughout the College for users who supply their own computers. All University of Arizona student, faculty or staff are eligible for this service.
In order to use the wireless network, your wireless network adapter may be of type 802.11b, 802.11g or 802.11 a/b/g.
The College of Medicine requires that all laptops registering for Internet access are equipped with an up-to-date Antivirus application and have Microsoft Windows Update enabled. For those medical students who have had their computers configured during one of the Student Setup Sessions, Antivirus software and Windows Update were enabled.
Connecting to UA WiFi
Information and help for configuring and connecting to the UA Wireless System (UA WiFi) can be found at the Office of Student Computing Resources or is available at:
http://ccit.web.arizona.edu/index.php?id=wifi
Specific configuration instructions are available here.
Windows Zero Config Wireless Set-up
How to configure your Windows machine to connect to UAWiFi.
Mac Wireless Set-up
How to configure your Mac OS X machine to connect to UAWiFi.
More details at: http://omc.arizona.edu/students/wireless.cfm
Filed under: Info Technologies | Tagged: WiFi
