What do I need to use the free Wireless Internet Access connection at a Wireless West Palm Beach hotspot?

All you need is a wireless/Wi-Fi (802.11 a,b,g) enabled laptop or other device like the Palm Tungsten C handheld. ("Wi-Fi" is a registered certification mark of the Wi-Fi alliance.) Today most products such as laptops and PDA’s are designed for wireless connectivity and some may come equipped with a wireless adapter card. Otherwise, you'll need to purchase an adapter card at a local retail electronics outlet. When purchasing an adapter card for your laptop or device be sure to read the manufacturers specs for compatibility and interoperability information. If you're using Windows XP it should automatically “sniff” out and identify the network. If you are not using Windows XP, you may consider downloading the Boingo software. You will not be charged to use the software to sniff out any nearby networks.

What if I need Help connecting?

We want to make the connection process as easy as possible. The goal is to automatically configure your laptop or device for connection. But, as you can imagine, with lots of different vendors selling devices and cards there could be specific configuration instructions you'll need to follow. Please refer to the Configuration and Support page on the Wireless West Palm Beach website.

What can I do at a Wireless West Palm Beach hotspot?

The free Wi-Fi wireless broadband connection allows you to do anything you'd do from home or the office. You can surf the Web, check your e-mail, connect to your corporate network - using a secure VPN connection, make free Voice over IP phone calls, play online games, update your blog, and IM with your friends.

Is my data and e-mail secure at a Wireless West Palm Beach hotspot?

Wireless transmissions, by their nature, can be intercepted very easily. The Wireless West Palm Beach Network is designed for ease of use, and is not encrypted or password protected. You have the responsibility to make sure that your data is kept secure and that you use secure protocols for any sensitive material. Wireless West Palm Beach is not responsible for any information that is compromised by the use of the Wireless West Palm Beach Network. Also, make sure that your computer does not have file sharing active (for Windows - click on network settings in the Control Panel, then find and uncheck file and print sharing). Other users on the network may be able to access your files if you do. In addition, it would be wise to use some kind of personal firewall to further protect against someone at the next table from accessing your files. Windows XP has limited firewall ability built-in.

Here's what the Wi-Fi Alliance says:

Wireless networks in public areas and "HotSpots" like Internet cafes may not provide any security. Although some service providers do provide this with their custom software, many HotSpots leave all security turned off to make it easier to access and get on the network in the first place. If security is important to you the best way to achieve this when you are connecting back to your office is to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). If you do not have access to a VPN and security is important, you may want to limit your wireless network use in these areas to non-critical e-mail and basic Internet surfing.

Most corporate IT departments are already skilled with VPN and can modify existing systems to support Wi-Fi networks. A VPN works through the VPN server at the company headquarters, creating an encryption scheme for data transferred to computers outside the corporate offices. The special VPN software on the remote computer or laptop uses the same encryption scheme, enabling the data to be safely transferred back and forth with no chance of interception. HotSpotVPN has a consumer product for public hotspot use.

Do I need to purchase goods or services before I can get free access in a Wireless West Palm Beach Location?

No, the Wireless West Palm Beach locations are provided free of charge.

CITY WiFi INTERNET ACCESS SERVICE AGREEMENT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

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