Hi SirF,
I agree with Elmo and xcalibur, you can purchase a wifi card periodically and you could be parked in your car anywhere and go on-line and surf!
http://lifehacker.com/5253767/wefi-for-android-makes-finding-free-wi+fi-easier
Tethering is GREAT! You can use a pdanet app so that you do not have to use a proxy. I also want to remind you that tethering drains the battery very fast and will sit you back approx. $30 a month.
There are many benefits to tethering your modem to your laptop. You no longer have to hunt around for free WiFi hotspots. You also don't have to worry about WiFi security. Since your line is private and tied to your carrier, no one can sniff your data or read your passwords. In fact, while tethering from your cell phone, you can turn your laptop's hardware WiFi radio switch off.
http://www.junefabrics.com/iphone/index.php
NOW as for the hot spots- WHEW!
I would research the RIP provisions and here are some of my "BACK TO THE BASIC'S" suggestions that are always useful. (SirF & for those who are already familiar with these suggestions I decided to list them for anyone who may not be computer friendly…wink..wink!)
Install a Firewall, Disable Wi-Fi Ad-hoc Mode (When in a hot spot you may pick up other Wi-Fi networks that you do not want to access or allow access to your laptop.) Disable File & Printer Sharing, Make Folders Private, Password Protect Your Files, Require Encrypted Passwords for WiFi Access and disabling the SSID broadcast. By default, all Wi-Fi base stations broadcast their presence -- known as the Service Set Identifier (SSID) -- to anyone within range. It's a call sign. You can reconfigure the base station to not broadcast the SSID -- somewhat like a stealth mode. When you access Web pages or send email over a Wi-Fi network those transmissions are sent "in the clear." In the clear means that a sophisticated and determined hacker could grab that information right out of the air and capture your emails and Web page requests. This is also the case when using Wi-Fi at your local coffee shop. So use a Secure Socket Layer or SSL) Ok my ideas may be a little outdated but it is never hurts to have a checklist! LOL!
P: S definitely read Elmo’s “Evil Twin Link”
Lets discuss the "old" Magic Jack and how it tethers to ones laptop? Any opinions on the “old” Magic Jack? I know there may be an outdated thread on this but I was wondering if any improvements have been made and would it be considered another resource these days?
This is a little off topic-I just would like to share a "recession saving money tip"... Meanwhile, the cost of calls overseas is pretty high. If you have a Skype account you can SkypeOut for 2.1 cents a minute to the western world. Then a free iphone app called Fring integrates your skype account and allows calls over wifi. Fring basically turns your iphone into a $100+ wifi phone, and 2.1cents per/minute is a 6000+% saving over most companies’ standard rates.
OMG, we should have a cost cutters thread & tips for gadgets section! HA! For example-Question: How to save your gadget when it drops in the toilet? (Answer-soak it in uncooked rice! HA!)
Have a great day!
XO