In recent years, Wi-Fi hotspots have been installed in a wide variety of locations throughout the UK from MacDonald’s restaurants to intercity trains. You can even get connected on the beach - maybe not such a hot spot in every sense of the word - but you may wish to browse the Net on your Wi-Fi enabled laptop to check the weather report for any signs of improvement.

So for the uninitiated, here is a quick guide on how to get connected whilst on the move as well as tips on how to use a hotspot without compromising security.

How to find a hotspot

There are websites which will locate public hotspots. Before you set off, type ‘Wi-Fi Hotspots’ into your search engine to locate one of these directories or visit www.myhotspots.co.uk. If you are already out and about, many branches of Starbucks, MacDonald’s and Costa Coffee have hotspots, so look out for signs on restaurants and cafés. Wi-Fi zones are also becoming more available at train stations, airport lounges, libraries and hotels.

How much does it cost?

Some Wi-Fi hotspots are provided free of charge, whilst other public wireless network providers charge a fee. If this is the case, you will either need to pay the owner of the establishment directly or in the case where you are connecting through hotspots enabled by major providers such as BT, you will probably have to buy a voucher for a fixed period of time. Unlimited packages typically range from £10 to £25 per month.

What about security?

Hotspots are less secure because they tend not to use encryption such as WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) or WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), something which would complicate the log-in process. So there are several precautions you should take to protect yourself online when connecting through a Wi-Fi hotspot:

How to connect?

Turn on your laptop’s Wi-Fi and search for a hotspot by clicking on your network icon near the clock on the Windows taskbar and select Connect to a Network (Vista) or View Available Wireless Networks (Windows XP).
 

Which network to choose?

Choose the right Wi-Fi network from the list (refer to our security tip no.6). If you are connecting via BT, T-Mobile or The Cloud services the name of the network should be standard (BTOPenzone, tmobile and either mycloud or WiFi Zone). Double-click to connect.

Problems?

If you can’t see the connection, try setting it up manually.

In Vista, click Set up a Connection or Network > Manually Connect to a Wireless Network. Type in the name of the network (e.g. tmobile) > No Authentication (Open) (next to Security Type) > Next. In XP, click Change Advanced Settings > Wireless Networks > Add. Again, type in the network name > Open (next to network Authentication) > OK.

If you can see the network but can’t connect.

In XP, click the Start button > Control Panel > Network Connections or in Vista Control Panel > View Network Status and Tasks > Manage Network Connections. Right-click on the icon for your wireless device and select Properties. Click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IP v4) > Properties. Ensure both Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS Server automatically are ticked > OK

How do I get onto the Internet?

Once you are connected, you will need to enter your login details. How this is done will depend on the hotspot or provider. You may need to enter a username or password into your web browser, which may have been provided by the proprietor of the hotspot. If the service is chargeable, you will be asked to make a payment. Enter the details when prompted.

Using the Internet

Now you should be able to start browsing the Internet, remember that it is highly recommended avoiding certain tasks such as online banking when using a public hotspot (refer to security tips).

Feel you need more security?

There are a couple of options allowing you to connect more securely to the Internet whilst away from the office. One is to purchase a wireless access card, so you do not need to use a public Wi-Fi. Another solution is to use a VPN Tunnel. For more information, contact your account manager.

When you have finished

If you are paying for a Wi-Fi subscription or have purchased a voucher, always ensure that you log off when you’re finished.