Stupid LAPTOP Question

punchie

Ok, now I will show my degree of illiteracy about computers. My laptop is used strictly for backup for me to get on the net while the other computer is in use. We have always used Comcast Cable as our ISP so I don't know anythiing else. What is the best way for me to get on the net and use it in its mobile capacity? I take it I'll need another ISP when on the road. I reckon dial-up is the only option but I don't know. How does the dial-up work from a lot of various locations in a lot of states? Does one access number do it all? Does it have to be hard wired to a land line when on the road or is there a wireless connection? Oh the questions!!!

AN ARMED SOCIETY IS A POLITE SOCIETY

nord

Most motels have some sort of setup already in their rooms. If there's cable access, then you sign on just as you've always done. If a dial-up, then you'll need to have a modem in your laptop and an access number for your ISP. Hopefully there will be a local number that can be used.

Nord

punchie

Thanks. Have a 10/100 card in the laptop so that should not be a problem..Is there such a thing as wireless (cell phone type) while on the road?

AN ARMED SOCIETY IS A POLITE SOCIETY

Norman Dog

Check with ComCast to see if they also have dial-up numbers you can access when on the road. Of course, you will have to have the proper modem in your laptop.

---

Ideas are far more powerful than guns. We don't let our people have guns. Why should we let them have ideas?

-- Joseph Stalin--

shooter4

Some hotels have ethernet network access, most do not.

Your 10/100 card is for network access, directly onto an ethernet network and cannot be used for dial up access. So you will need a modem for dial up access.

There are some nationwide and even worldwide isp's, where you put in the area code and number where you are and it will give you a list of access numbers that are close by. If you are in a relatively big city, there will be local access numbers.

The one I use is PAL, by UUNET.

http://www.wcom.net/customer_support/pal/index.shtml

jsergovic

You might have to switch a preference in "network" from DSL to "dial-up.
Then fool with the settings, like adding "1" before dialing, adding area code.

Some rip-off hotels charge $$$ for local calls over 1/2' per day. When in S.F., there were NO local dial up #'s for our STI account, even though there were #'s just a few miles away...so they tried to hit me with outrageous bills...

A funny thing happened in the lobby. Waiting for the elevator, a normal guy walks up, takes a vase off a shelf, puts it in a backpack, and strolls out. Management said it was happening repeatedly over the last few months. Wonder how many he has lining the window sills of his apartment by now?

Alpine

A wireless network card (802.11 B or the new faster G) will fit into a PCMI slot in the laptop. A lot of local hotels offer free wireless internet access. The front desk will have the details on configuring the network. Also the 802.11 G will work with the slower B units.

At home a wireless router will allow several computers to be on the internet at one time, with only one account. Again the faster G is the wave of the future.

Also Win XP is easier to conform network settings, than older Win 98.

"If you ain't got pictures, I wasn't there."

droptop

I've had Cable, DSL, and Dialup all at the same time. Roadrummer was by far the fastest and most reliable. I dropped roadrunner (Time Warner) and will switch back when my DSL contract expires. Didn't need all three,, more of an economy move.

I use dialup as a "backup" when I'm home. When I'm out of town I use the dialup for access to email and some "browsing".

Check to see the dialup provider has a "free" phone number you can use at the out of town locations. Some dialups,, MSN being one,, does not have free numbers "everywhere" and you will pay long distance call time to the nearest number. This is NOT common but some of the smaller towns in the mid US did not have local access numbers.

You need to determine if having another service (dial up) is "worth it". I travel to company locations that have "blocked" certain sites that I use,, ebay being an example. So,, even "afte hours",, no access.

The "rip off" comment is true. You can get "hit" with regular local calls on a regular phone, this is NOT internet. I always ask ahead of time, makes a difference where I stay. Funny,, but the more expensive the room the more likely they will have a "high" phone use charge.

Personally, I would not consider the "wireless" systems at this time.

Off the subject,, Sent my laptop in for warrenty repair. They asked for a "list" of all the passwords,, logon, screen saver, rom. Hummm,, something to think about when you select "pass words". I use a unique passord on the laptop,, not a comfortable feeling writing down your "favorite" passwords. Regular computers I can "fix",, but not a laptop.





droptop

Nighthawk

Some LEA use wireless PC's in their cars,but I dont know of any off hand.In your larger City's is where you will find your wireless connections.It works on the same principal as cell phones,but I look for a satelite network not to far in the future.Kind of like GPS systems.



Best!!

Rugster


"Toujours Pret"

pagunrunner

There are no stupid questions although they are the easiest to answer. LOL
A friend of mine from New Brunswick CA sits on the beach in Florida and runs his travel agency by connecting with his cell phone don't know how it's done although I know its expensive.

If it doesn't fit get a bigger hammer.