As more and more electronic products like iPods, Video Game Consoles and phones become Internet enabled, the need for free wireless Internet in and around your home becomes more and more apparent.
This guide will show you How to Get Free Internet in and around your home, even if you don't have a wireless enabled router. This guide will help you to set up your Personal Computer to act as a Wireless Internet Hotspot.
Prerequisites are that your home PC is connected to the Internet, and has a wireless connection.
Goal Hotspot Setup
After completing this 'How To" guide, you will have realized this set-up. Your computer will be connected to the Internet as ususal, via your router and optional (and highly advised) firewall. Your computer will act as Wireless Hot Spot for your wireless peripherals.
Free Internet Sharing
In the video, you can see how to perform the network sharing steps that are required to set up free wireless internet in your home, allowing you to connect your iPod, Nintendo DS or Playstation 3 to the Internet in and around your home.
Step 1: Checking your Internet Connection
You should see your computer on the left, a globe on the right, and a picture of a house in the middle. A green line should connect the three.
If you don't see a green line, re-examine your Internet connection.
Step 2: Setting up the Wireless Connection
On the same screen, on the left side, select "Setup a connection or network".
- Select "Set up a wireless ad hoc (computer-to-computer) network".
- click "Next", "Next" to move to the next screen
- Provide a name for your wireless network, and set the Security Type to "None".
- Click "Next".
Step 3: Routing your Internet Connection to your Wireless Devices
Select "Turn on Internet connection sharing". This allows your wireless device to not only connect to your computer, but also to access Internet. This is mandatory to get your hotspot working.
Your computer will now set up your hotspot. This can take a few seconds, up to a minute.
After it is done, you can search for Wireless Internet connections using your mobile device.
The name you provided earlier should show up as the name of an available Internet Hotspot. Select it, and your device has free wireless Internet.
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Make sure that your free wireless hotspot is secured. (see step 2). Setting up a secure Hotspot might be advisable, or even mandatory, dependent on regional regulations.
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Fact:
Free Internet is available in a variety of coffee shops, libraries and public areas.
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Fact:
Some Internet cafe's offer the first 20 minutes of Internet access for free so that people can preform quick email checks, etc.
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Fact:
Free Internet access is sometimes used as a promotion with magazine subscriptions, cell phone contracts and even food purchases. Look for Free Internet Coupons in a variety of locations.
