Free Internet Access

[jdsl1998]

Hi. We are closing on our new home in Hadley on Monday. Does anyone know of places near by to get on our laptop? Thank you

[redwitch]

Any of the rec centers. You'll need the golf access number they give you. Colony is right behind Hadley, so it will be your closest.

You might also just check and see if someone around you has Wifi that you can latch on to for now. Many peeps seem to have unsecured access. If secured, see if the name is a neighbor close to you and ask if they'll type in their security number into your laptop (you won't see it or know it). That's worked a few times for me when traveling.

In addition, Starbucks in LSL, Crisper's on 466, Denny's by 441 are a few others. (Denny's is open 24/7.)

[OpusX1]

The library has wifi too and if they are closed you can get it from the bench in front on the porch.

[musicman]

Be careful "latching on" to an unsecured networks. Some legal eagles consider this theft of service. Though if someone is concerned about someone stealing their service they should password protect it. Then there are those that leave the network unsecured because they don't mind others using their service.

More importantly, you should also be concerned about unsecured networks because accessing one can give someone access to YOUR data. Though we all want to trust our fellow Villagers, there are people out there that set up unsecured networks just to grab data from unsuspecting "latchers".

[Village Kid 2]

There is also a room with wifi in the bagel shop at the far end of Colony Plaza shopping center. It's a nice quiet place to have a cup of coffee and use your laptop and close to Hadley.

[redwitch]

Be careful "latching on" to an unsecured networks. Some legal eagles consider this theft of service. Though if someone is concerned about someone stealing their service they should password protect it. Then there are those that leave the network unsecured because they don't mind others using their service.

More importantly, you should also be concerned about unsecured networks because accessing one can give someone access to YOUR data. Though we all want to trust our fellow Villagers, there are people out there that set up unsecured networks just to grab data from unsuspecting "latchers".

Any time you use WiFi, you risk having someone latch on to your data. This is true whether you go to a free WiFi spot such as Starbucks or use your neighbor's. Caution is always a good idea.

[downeaster]

I believe Panera"s has Wifi.

[Vichyssoise]

I believe CRISPERS is a hot spot. One evening I was there and saw a fellow doing some online banking. Not a smart thing to do. I told him it might be a concern doing that on an unsecure network. He told me to "go s*** in your hat". A friendly fellow for sure!

[ldj1938]

Just uncheck share files and they can't get into the files on your computer. Unless you have a network in your home you shouldn't "share files and printer".

[borjo]

Musicman,
I was told by computer savy people that even though I have an unsecured open internet with my DSL and router, since I have selected "Do not share" with other computers on my network, no one can get into my computer. I have an Apple, don't know if that makes a difference or not. Any comments?

[musicman]

Musicman,
I was told by computer savy people that even though I have an unsecured open internet with my DSL and router, since I have selected "Do not share" with other computers on my network, no one can get into my computer. I have an Apple, don't know if that makes a difference or not. Any comments?

Absolutely, there are things you can do to protect your data. Unfortunately, not everyone is "computer savvy" and don't know whether they are sharing their data or not. To say no one can get in, well, I don't think that is accurate. If you are connecting to ANY network, you run the risk of someone getting to your data. You can, however, make it too difficult to make it worth the amount of time it will take them to "hack" it.

[cbg150]

The last post here was in 2009. Are there any other ways now of getting free Internet when you visit? I will be back and forth a few times until we move in. No sense paying for Internet service until we live there. Any favorite hot spots?

[Ripcord13]

Panera, right next to the sales office at LSL

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Regional rec centers (and a couple of the Village rec centers) if you've got a resident ID and password.

McDonalds at Colony.

Bill :)

[Schaumburger]

The last post here was in 2009. Are there any other ways now of getting free Internet when you visit? I will be back and forth a few times until we move in. No sense paying for Internet service until we live there. Any favorite hot spots?

I have used the Denny's on 27/441 when renting in TV.