Free Internet Access Key Terms

Basic terms for finding and using free Internet access networks

Access to the Internet is something that many of us believe should be free -- but others argue that because of the cost of maintaining networks, that's not going to be feasible. Either way, knowing about some of the basic terms for getting "free" Internet access can help businesses and individuals learn about the progress being made with free networks, as well as some of the dangers of using a "free" Internet connection.

 

Wi-fi free spots

Wi-fi free spots refers to places where a free public wi-fi connection gets set up by managers, business owners or others. Often, a retail or private sector free spot is meant to entice laptop workers or others to use the free Internet service while ordering drinks or food.
Try: Find more on wi-fi free spots at this Wi-Fi Free Spot Directory site.

Wi-fi city

Some use the term "wi-fi city" for beginning efforts to provide free city-wide wi-fi services. Some cities may consider offering this kind of service; others prefer to attach a fee to the citywide use of these programs.
Try: Read up on wi-fi city  at this page from Wired.

Electronmagnetic hypersensitivity

Among the factors holding back more aggressive promotion of large free wi-fi networks is the idea that all of the microwaves could be adding up to a hazardous potential. Some individuals who have "electronmagnetic hypersensitivity" could be adversely affected.
Try: See more on this at Psychosomatic Medicine. Also see the Institute of Science in Society.

Free ISPs

An ISP or Internet Service Provider usually charges for services, but some do not. These are called "free ISPs" and they get a lot of "customers."
Try: Find out more about free ISPs and check out contrasting prices at DailyEDeals.

Unencrypted networks

Another way to get free wi-fi access is through one of these networks. An unencrypted network is simply one where the owner has not walled off a connection with a security password or key. Other users cannot "see into" an unencrypted network. However, they can connect to it with their own computers and use it for anything they would use a purchased connection for.
Try: See more on unencrypted networks and the ethics around them at the IT Toolbox blog. Check out this page by CipherOptics on the necessity for using encrypted networks.

Phishers

One of the biggest dangers in free Internet access is that any data going through an unprotected network is not secure from outside hacking. That means that if you connect to a network that you know nothing about, it could have been set up just to funnel user info (such as credit card numbers) to phishers.
Try: This article from FightIdentityTheft says it all: news items like this lay out the reality about "free" airport networks, where so much of public use is vulnerable to phishers.

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