If you are in the Saint John area, you're likely near an easy to use freespot where you can check your email, browse the web and do almost anything you would expect to do on your own broadband connection.
freespots are identified by the freespots logo, which participants are asked to clearly display at their establishments.
In order to get online, you'll need a wireless internet capable laptop or PDA. Most recently manufactured laptops are configured for wi-fi and all laptops have PCMCIA or USB slots to insert a separately available wi-fi card ($30 to $70).
Getting Connected
- Ensure your Wi-Fi card is on.
- Windows XP, OS X and Ubuntu Linux should all connect to the freespots automatically.
If they do not connect, try the following:
- Windows XP or later - go to Start>Control Panel>Network Connections>Wireless Connection>View Wireless Networks and click on a freespots location you wish to connect to.
- OS X or later - go to Apple Menu >select Location>Networking_Set "Show:" to AirPort._Set "Configure" to DHCP.
- Select the AirPort tab and select the SSID of freespots> click "Apply now". – is this a separate bullet or part of the one above?
- Ubuntu 5.10 or later - go to System>Administration >Networking and check the settings for your wireless interface._ Make sure the IP is set to DHCP and that the SSID of freespots is showing, then activate your wireless interface. Installing wifiradar can be helpful.
The wireless signal has a limited range of approximately 150 feet. The placement of the access point and the structure and layout of the locations will impact access to and strength of the signal. Many freespots in the directory offer descriptions of their coverage.
If your experience with freespots is different than above, or if you encounter problems, please let us know and we will try to address the problem. We strive to keep the freespots network simple, open, and consistent.
Security
If security is important to you the best way to achieve this is to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). Hamachi is an open source VPN which you can install yourself. If you do not have access to a VPN and security is important, you may want to limit your use on freespots to non-critical e-mail and basic Internet surfing.
Following are links to help you become more familiar with the wi-fi experience:
