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Wi-Fi Connection
Where They Are and How to Get Them
By Mario Garcia
CN Staff Writer
It’s 8:20 pm on Friday night. Any other time I’d be
out with friends having a late dinner and cocktails
before hitting the clubs. But tonight…tonight I’m sitting
in the Las Vegas airport waiting for my Southwest flight
back to Sacramento. I fire up my laptop and immediately
launch NetStumbler to detect any hot spots in the airport
(permissible or not).
Looking at the NetStumbler window (http://stumbler.net),
I immediately detect one very strong Wi-Fi (pronounced
?“Why-Feye”) network in my immediate area. According
to webopedia.com, Wi-Fi stands for wireless fidelity,
an incongruous word that simply refers to a computer
network without wires. I connect to the available network,
called “McCarran Wi-Fi”. I’m forced to read and agree
to the terms of use, at which point I cheerfully read—in
part—“The Wi-Fi system at McCarran International Airport
is provided “free of charge” as a value added service
to the traveling public. Usage may be subject to participation
in a short online survey.”
So while I’m sitting at the airport, cashless because
I’ve gambled away my measly $200 gambling budget (and
$400 more), I decide to go online: check my email, transfer
funds from my overdraft into my checking account, pour
over the news headlines, and even program another episode
of the Graham Norton Effect to automatically record
on my living room’s digital video recorder by scheduling
it at Tivo.com. All this...free of charge.
And so it is the next small step in the digital utopia,
where most anyone can offer wireless network connectivity
to all, often at little or no cost. Because more and
more people want it, expect it, demand it. Wi-Fi: a
network without wires.
What does Free Wi-Fi really mean?
The availability of “Free” Wi-Fi locations continues
to grow in the greater Sacramento area. What does “free”
Wi-Fi really mean? Each location may have a different
view. Most of the locations listed will not have any
restrictions, some require you to be a registered guest
of their location and some may require you to be a customer
which implies that you will be making a purchase, big
or small.
Libraries
Many cities and towns are now offering free Wi-Fi in
their public libraries. A few might require a library
card to use the access, but in public libraries free
really means free for all. Check out our library link
for all the local libraries to see if Wi-Fi is available
in the area.
Academic Locations
Many academic institutions that offer free Wi-Fi on
their campuses restrict the access to members of their
academic community, but there are some that don’t have
any restrictions. So, in academic locations, free may
not mean free for all.
Hotels, Motels and Resorts
If these locations offer free Wi-Fi in their guest rooms
then it’s obvious you’d need to be a registered guest
to use the access. If these locations offer free Wi-Fi
in common areas of the location - lobby, pool area,
restaurant and meeting rooms, they may charge you for
room access.
Cafes, coffee shops, restaurants, miscellaneous... Some
of these locations require a purchase to obtain a password
while others have an explicit policy that requires you
to be a customer and thus implies that you’ll be making
a purchase. Once again, free may not mean free for all.
Most of these types of locations do not require any
purchase to access the free Wi-Fi. But I’m sure it would
certainly be appreciated. Let your conscience be your
guide. The access here is free for all, but if you choose
to make a purchase while you’re there, I don’t think
this would mean that free is no longer free.
Free Wi-Fi signals carry
The nature of Wi-Fi means that sometimes a free Wi-Fi
signal can be picked up outside the property “boundary”
of the provider. It may be more comfortable for you
to be sitting on a bench across the street or in your
car and have free Wi-Fi access.
What do I need to use the Wireless Internet access connection
at a Wi-Fi-FreeSpot?
You’ll need a wireless/Wi-Fi enabled laptop or other
device. (“Wi-Fi” is a registered certification mark
of the Wi-Fi Alliance. For more information about the
Wi-Fi Alliance and its certification programs for 802.11-based
products and services, please visit www.wi-fi.com).
Most recently manufactured laptops are configured for
wireless and most will come equipped with a wireless
adapter card. Otherwise, you’ll need to purchase an
adapter card ($35-$90). Most hotspots and Wi-Fi-FreeSpots
are equipped with 802.11b access points, although others
may offer 802.11a or 802.11g access points or combinations
of two or all three. When purchasing an adapter card
for your laptop be sure to read the manufacturer’s specs
for compatibility.
What can I do at a Wi-Fi FreeSpot?
The 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 email, connect to your corporate
network, make free voice over IP phone calls, play online
games, update your blog, and IM (instant message) with
your friends. If you just have a modem dial-up account
at home, you’ll probably end up spending more time at
the Wi-Fi-FreeSpot once you see how much faster it is.
Who knows, maybe you’ll give up your dial-up account
and just use the Wi-Fi-FreeSpot when you want to go
online.
Are my data and e-mail secure at a Wi-Fi-FreeSpot?
You should never conduct unsecured transactions that
include any account or password information over public
hotspots using FTP, email, or the Web. Try to use SSL
for email (POP and SMTP), or read your email with a
Web browser using an SSL connection. Ask your ISP if
they offer SSL secure web-based email.
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 email 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.
Here’s more info from the NewburyOpen.net security page:
"Wireless transmissions, by their nature, can be
intercepted very easily. Our wireless network was designed
for ease of use, and thus 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. We take no responsibility
for any information that is compromised by the use of
our 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.
Do I need to be inside a wi-fi-free spot to pick up
the signal?
The wireless signal in most indoor locations has a limited
range of approximately 100-300 feet. The placement of
the access point and the structure and layout of the
locations will impact access to the signal. In some
locations the signal probably will be available outside
the location as well. Downtown Sacramento recently set
up large outdoor downtown Wi-Fi Zones or Clouds where
the signal will reach from the Capitol to Raley Field.
This is a wide range and up to 250 people can access
this for free at one time.
Carmichael
Starbucks
4005 Manzanita Ave.
Carmichael, CA 95608
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Starbucks
7732 Fair Oaks Blvd.
Carmichael, CA 95608
Independent
Chico
Starbucks
246 Broadway Street
Chico, CA 95928
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Starbucks
Pheasant Run Plaza
2009 Forest, Suite 40
Chico, CA 95926
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Kinko’s
1722 Mangrove Ave. Ste 10
Chico, CA 95926
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Citrus Heights
Starbucks
6109 Sunrise Blvd.
Citrus Heights, CA 95610
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Kinko’s
5454 Sunrise Blvd. Ste. 2
Citrus Heights, CA 95610
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Java City
5489-A Sunrise Blvd.
Citrus Heights, CA 95610
Trustive/Boingo
Davis
Kinko’s
313 F St.
Davis, CA 95616
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Starbucks
208 F Street
Davis, CA 95616
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Borders
500 First Street
Davis, CA 95616
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Ali Baba
220 3rd Street
Davis, CA 95616
Independent
Dos Coyotes Border Cafe
2191 Cowell Blvd.
Davis, CA 95616
Independent
Starbucks Russell & Anderson
825 Russell Blvd.
Davis, CA 95616
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Coyotes Border Cafe (North Davis)
1411 W. Covell Blvd.
Davis, CA 95616
Independent
Dixon
Starbucks
1450 Ary Lane
Dixon, CA 95620
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Java California
1440 Ary Lane
Dixon, CA 95620
Free
El Dorado Hills
Starbucks
4311 Town Center Blvd. 450
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Elk Grove
Starbucks
8341 Elk Grove-Florin Road
Elk Grove, CA 95624
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Starbucks
8370 Elk Grove Blvd.
Elk Grove, CA 95758
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Starbucks
9160 East Stockton Blvd.
Elk Grove, CA 95624
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Borders
7415 Laguna Blvd.
Elk Grove, CA 95758
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Kinko’s
7400 Laguna Blvd.
Elk Grove, CA 95758
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Starbucks
5060 Laguna Blvd.
Elk Grove, CA 95758
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
It’s A Grind Coffee House
9385 Elk Grove Blvd., Ste. 100
Elk Grove, CA 95624
Free
Fair Oaks
dgthink
5564 McKay Street
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
Independent
Fairfield
Starbucks
3334 North Texas Street
Fairfield, CA 94533
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Starbucks
1350 Travis Blvd. P-1
Fairfield, CA 94533
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Kinko’s
1510 Oliver Road
Fairfield, CA 94533
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Starbucks
1500 Oliver Road
Fairfield, CA 94533
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Folsom
Starbucks
603 East Bidwell Street
Folsom, CA 95630
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Kinko’s
1111 Riley St
Folsom, CA 95630
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
It’s A Grind Coffeehouse
2770 East Bidwell St., Ste. 700
Folsom, CA 95630
Free
Starbucks
Prairie City Crossing Shopping Center
1840-1890 Prairie City Road
Folsom, CA 95630
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
PC Component
404 Blue Ravine Road Ste. 500
Folsom, CA 95630
Independent
Starbucks
195 Blue Ravine Road
Folsom, CA 95630
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Dos Coyotes Border Cafe
13385 Folsom Blvd.
Folsom, CA 95630
Boingo
Java City
157 Iron Point Road
Folsom, CA 95630
Trustive/Boingo
Borders
2765 E. Bidwell St
Folsom, CA 95630
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Galt
It’s A Grind Coffee House
10420 Twin Cities Rd., Ste. 10
Galt, CA 95632
Free
Granite Bay
Starbucks
6949 Douglas-Auburn-
Folsom Road
Granite Bay, CA 95746
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Grass valley
Starbucks 716 Freeman Lane Grass Valley, CA 95949 T-Mobile
Wireless Broadband
Flour Garden Bakery
11999 Sutton Way
Grass Valley, CA 95949
Free
Lincoln
Starbucks
Lincoln Hills Town Center
Lincoln, CA 95648
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Lodi
Starbucks
2435 W. Kettleman Lane
Lodi, CA 95242
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Orangevale
Greenback Promenade
8904 Greenback Lane
Orangevale, CA 95662
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Rancho Cordova
Hanniblal's Catering
11070 White Rock Road
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Free
Hawthorn Suites
12180 Tributary Point Drive
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Independent
Starbucks
2095 Golden Center, Ste.10
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Rio linda
Rio Java
743 M Street
Rio Linda, CA 95673
Speakeasy
Rocklin
Borders
4819 Granite Drive
Rocklin, CA 95677
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Roseville
Starbucks
8690 Sierra College Blvd., Ste110
Roseville, CA 95661
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
It’s A Grind Coffee House
9970 Sunrise Ave.
Roseville, CA 95661
Free
Starbucks
2030 Douglas Blvd.
Roseville, CA 95661
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Borders
2030 Douglas Blvd. Ste. 9
Roseville, CA 95661
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Kinko’s
1927 Douglas Blvd.
Roseville, CA 95661
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Sacramento
Capital Corridor
Capital Mall to Raley Field
free
Starbucks
980 9th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Starbucks
717 K Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Starbucks
1901 J Street.
Sacramento, CA 95814
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Java City
1800 Capitol Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95814
Boingo/Trustive
Java City
812 21st Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Boingo/Trustive
Cup-a-Joe
1530 16th Street.
Sacramento, CA 95814
Free
Infusion Cafe
1628 K Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Free
Hi Chris High Network
2323 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95816
Independent
Java City
2901 K Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Boingo/Trustive
Starbucks
1401 Alhambra Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95816
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Starbucks
1570 West El Camino Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95833
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Starbucks
3815 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95816
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Hilton Garden Inn
2540 Venture Oaks Way
Sacramento, CA 95833
Boingo/STSN
Starbucks
3434 Broadway
Sacramento, CA 95817
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Starbucks
4424 Freeport Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95822
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Kinko’s
5600 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95819
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Hilton Sacramento
2200 Harvard Street
Sacramento, CA 95815
Boingo/Wayport
Pizza Pucks
Natomas Marketplace
Sacramento, CA
Free
Lollicup Tea Zone
6830 Stockton Blvd., Ste. 250
Sacramento, CA
Free
Hoppy Brewing Company
6300 Folsom Blvd
Sacramento, CA
Free
Espresso Metro Cafe
3900 Freeport Blvd
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento Public Library
828 I Street
Sacramento, CA
Free
Starbucks
1689 Arden Way
Sacramento, CA 95815
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Starbucks
3511 Truxel Road
Sacramento, CA 95834
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Kinko’s
1795 Arden Way
Sacramento, CA 95815
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Java City
717 W. Del Paseo Road
Sacramento, CA 95834
Trustive
Beyond Napa
2573 Fair Oaks Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95825
Boingo
Starbucks
2100 Arden Way
Sacramento, CA 95825
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Starbucks
458 Howe Ave. 8
Sacramento, CA 95825
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Starbucks
508 Pavilions Lane
Sacramento, CA 95825
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Borders
2339 Fair Oaks Blvd.,
Ste. N11A,
Sacramento, CA 95825
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Togo’s
2334 Arden Way
Sacramento, CA 95825
SBC
Java City
2573 Fair Oaks Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95825
Trustive
Java City
717 West Del Paso Road
Sacramento, CA 95834
Boingo
Starbucks
1 Adobe Court
Sacramento, CA 95821
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Starbucks
1042 Florin Road
Sacramento, CA 95831
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Starbucks
Union Bank Plaza
2648 Watt Ave. Ste.101,
Sacramento, CA 95821
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Starbucks
4301 Arden Way
Sacramento, CA 95864
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Starbucks
8030 Gerber Road
Sacramento, CA 95828
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Starbucks
3539 Bradshaw Road
Sacramento, CA 95827
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Sacramento
International Airport
6900 Airport Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95837
Independent
Kinko’s
5112 Madison Ave. Ste. 101
Sacramento, CA 95841
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Starbucks
The Fremont Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Sheridan
Sheridan
6020 Camp Far West Road
Sheridan, CA 95681
Independent
Stockton
Starbucks
121 Lincoln Center
Stockton, CA 95207
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Starbucks
5350 Pacific Ave. A
Stockton, CA 95207
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Stockton Inn Best Western
4219 East Waterloo Road
Stockton, CA 95215
Linksys
Vacaville
Starbucks
505 Davis Street
Vacaville, CA 95688
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Starbucks
970 Alamo Drive
Vacaville, CA 95687
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Java City
2011 B Harbison Drive
Vacaville, CA 95687
Boingo/Trustive
Starbucks
1031 Helen Powers Drive
Vacaville, CA 95687
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Kinko’s
150 Nut Tree Parkway Ste. 100
Vacaville, CA 95687
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Courtyard by Marriott
120 Nut Tree Parkway
Vacaville, CA 95687
Independent
Woodland
Starbucks
421 Pioneer Avenue
Woodland, CA 95776
T-Mobile Wireless Broadband
Yuba City
Travelhome RV Park
1257 Live Oak Blvd.
Yuba City, CA 95991
Independent
Starbucks
885 Colusa Ave.
Yuba City, CA 95991
T-Mobile Wireless
Wi-Fi:
A local area network that uses high frequency radio
signals to transmit and receive data over distances
of a few hundred feet; uses ethernet protocol.
Wi-Fi:
Stands for Wireless Fidelity (IEEE 802.11b wireless
networking)
For more information, contact Mario Garcia at
MarioG@connectednow.com
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