[Butterflybee]

I just bought a HP iPAQ 1950 (they said it was the same as the 1955). How do you connect with the internet. Do I need some sort of card and router?

[arelius]

There are two ways:

1) Turn on you "WiFi" wireless internet on your ppc device. Now unless you are standing somewhere with wireless internet capabilities the WiFi isn't going to connect. I usually use the wireless internet that my school has and turn on the WiFi and then go onto my internet explorer and the login screen for my schools internet comes up. I then login and I have internet access. You can do this anywhere there is wireless internet within your ppc's range. Starbucks even has wireless but it's 10 cents a minute.

2) Place your ppc on it's cradle and connect it to your computer and access the internet on your desktop computer. This is usually useless because if you need the internet you would just use your desktop computer rather than your ppc through your desktop.

[Angie O'Plasty, RN]

You can also try doing a "search" for WiFi in your general area. Sometimes if there's a nearby connection, you can connect.

I have a wireless connection so I don't have to be tied to my PC. I can go out on the lanai with my PDA and get my email and enjoy the fresh air.

[Butterflybee]

There must be a breeze blowing through my brain because I still dont understand. I was under the assumption that you would be able to access the internet on the pda from most anyplace. Has anyone heard of having an internet card or network card or router?

Could I still download to it without being on the internet? Where can I go for more detailed, easy to understand information? Thank you...

[arelius]

Okay here's how it works,

Let's just say that my neighbor has wireless internet at his house. He is the one who has the network cards, routers, etc... connected to his computer inside his house. Now, because it is wireless internet there a certain area where you can access that wireless internet. For example, maybe his wireless internet spans out 50 feet on every side. So if you, his neighbor, are within that 50 feet, even if that 50 feet also includes your house, you can access his wireless connection with your ipaq or computer that has the ability to pick up his wireless internet. Assuming he doesn't have a firewall or somekind of password on his wireless account to only allow him to have access to the wireless internet, then you can use it too. This applies to any geographical location. As long as they have the wireless internet available you can turn on the Wifi on your ipaq and have access to the internet as long as you are within range. Most of the time they will have passwords you need in order to access there wireless internet. Most schools have this available for students. You just login with your student id and password and then you surf the net. I hope that helped.

[fins]

Originally Posted by arelius

Okay here's how it works,

Let's just say that my neighbor has wireless internet at his house. He is the one who has the network cards, routers, etc... connected to his computer inside his house. Now, because it is wireless internet there a certain area where you can access that wireless internet. For example, maybe his wireless internet spans out 50 feet on every side. So if you, his neighbor, are within that 50 feet, even if that 50 feet also includes your house, you can access his wireless connection with your ipaq or computer that has the ability to pick up his wireless internet. Assuming he doesn't have a firewall or somekind of password on his wireless account to only allow him to have access to the wireless internet, then you can use it too. This applies to any geographical location. As long as they have the wireless internet available you can turn on the Wifi on your ipaq and have access to the internet as long as you are within range. Most of the time they will have passwords you need in order to access there wireless internet. Most schools have this available for students. You just login with your student id and password and then you surf the net. I hope that helped.

This is known as wardriving. It is in fact a felony. Are you likely to be prosecuted for it? No. Is it a felony? Yes. (The analogy you hear is, just because someone's house is unlocked doesn't mean you can go in and watch his television.)

The people who do get hit for wardriving are usually using someone's wifi network for high bandwidth use, or else consistently tapping into someone else's network (like connecting your home pc to your neighbor's wifi access because you're close enough to do it. It's considered the equivalent of tapping into your neighbor's cable.) A casual onetime connection of a PDA isn't going to get anyone's panties in a twist.

[arelius]

The above poster is right. I probably should have mentioned that. The reason I used that example is because a group of my friends who live in a apartment ( 3 or 4 seperate units) all access one persons wireless because they have his permisison. He lets them use his wireless internet and they just have to pay him something like $10 a month.

And I'm pretty sure we are allowed to use the wireless internet in malls but don't quote me on that.

[KnarfKS]

Yes, you can use the internet in malls and public places. If it is not protected, the they are either really, really stupid, or allow you to use it. There are also cybercafes and coffee shops in many places that allow you on their network.

And just because you have that guy's permission doesn't mean it isn't illegal. Many cable companies limit the number of computers that can be used through their cable modem. They just can't tell if it is behind a router.