[vanman]

As i understand it that is exactly how it happens.If your next door neighbour has wireless broadband,then it will work as well,as i understand it,but like you i`m no computer expert.

[jjgold]

Should be a icon on bottom right showing wireless networks and if you right click it there is an option for available wireless networks. If they are free no lock icon will e next to it and ll you do is double click it to connect.

[20Four7]

if the person who set it up is smart it will be a secure network which requires a network key. If the person is lazy or doesn't understand much, they can leave the network key blank and anyone who is within distance can access it. At my moms place I can use my laptop and get internet off her neighbors.

[Shark79]

first, let me admit I'm not tech savvy. I've only owned desktops, I just switched to DSL only about 2 years ago from having dial-up for years. my question is about using laptops for free wi-fi. I see signs around town all the time saying "free wi-fi", almost all the coffee places have it ,the waterfront park on the river has it, heck a pizza Hut by me has a sign saying it. I have also heard people say you can just be close to schools and certain businesses and get online.
How does that work? do i just have a laptop and be where they offer free wi-fi and open my browser and i'm on the internet? I guess i'm so used to having to sign-in from dial-up all those years and even with DSL i have a cable going to my computer, i don't quite get how i can just be surfing the net almost anywhere for free. again i'm not a tech savvy person, but i'm thinking about getting a laptop if i can use free wi-fi almost anywhere.

You dont mention that you actually own a laptop, if you dont, make sure that if your looking to purchase one, that it does have wireless internet (WI FI) ... you could also purchase a wireless system so u dont have to plug in ur "cord" to use the net. And as everyone else mentioned above .. as long as the WIFI is not coded ... u should be able to use it anywhere - anytime.

Good Luck !!

[Actionbrett]

How far in distance can you usually pick up someones wireless network?

[20Four7]

Not very far. Hotels usually have stronger signals since they are trying to get throughout the hotel. I've picked up neighbouring hotels with my laptop. My laptop works out in my garage, but my friends dell couldn't pick up the signal there. So again it depends.