introibo
Member
Gender: 
Posts: 1,575
|
|
« on: March 28, 2010, 03:20:PM » |
|
I know absolutely nothing about WiFi - I have DSL for internet at home. I'm looking to buy my college-bound daughter a used MacBook off ebay. If it isn't "WiFi enabled" when I get it, what do I have to do to it to make it capable of using WiFi, at say, a Starbucks or somewhere else that has WiFi? Do I have to subscribe to anything to use it in such a location? What do I have to add to it?
Thanks.
Christina
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Behold the inheritance of the Lord are children; the reward, the fruit of the womb. As arrows in the hand of the mighty...(Psalm 126)
|
|
|
|
QuisUtDeus
Guest
|
|
« Reply #1 on: March 28, 2010, 04:18:PM » |
|
I don't know about macs, but if it isn't wifi enabled that means there is no wifi radio. You would have to add a radio, not sure how on a mac.
Some places offer free wifi - you don't have to pay. Others you have to pay. How to connect at a given place depends on the policy of the place. Most places are free these days. I had to use the laundromat because of a broken washer last week, I brought my laptop, and used free internet while I was there.
ETA: I recommend finding one that is wifi-enabled.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
stvincentferrer
Member
Gender: 
Posts: 1,821
|
|
« Reply #2 on: March 28, 2010, 04:26:PM » |
|
Boingo is good for hotspots. $10/month. If you register for a Starbucks card you can get two hours of free internet access a day at any of their locations. Boingo is probably the best bet because it will work at many different stores, including Starbucks. Macbook wireless is known to be pretty fuss-free. All Macbooks come with internal wireless, so unless the seller took it out you should have wifi capability. Boingo is the world's largest network of Wi-Fi hotspots. We make it easy to get online at more than 125,000+ hotspots worldwide – including Starbucks®, hundreds of airports, and thousands of hotels. Whether you’re connecting on a laptop or smartphone, Boingo has a plan to keep you connected on the go! http://www.boingo.com/what-is-boingo.php?lang=en |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
CollegeCatholic
Banned for snarking meanness, disrespect toward the Holy Father, twisting what others say in order to mock them, etc.
Member
Gender:
Location: Terre Haute, IN
Personality type: ISTJ
Posts: 8,998
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
|
|
« Reply #3 on: March 28, 2010, 04:33:PM » |
|
There's a good chance your daughter would know more about computers than you (no offense). Failing that, does she have any friends who are good with technology? Maybe they can help (and give you real-time help).
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
introibo
Member
Gender:
Posts: 1,575
|
|
« Reply #4 on: March 28, 2010, 04:43:PM » |
|
There's a good chance your daughter would know more about computers than you (no offense). Failing that, does she have any friends who are good with technology? Maybe they can help (and give you real-time help).
She is good with graphic design programs, etc, but does not know the technical type stuff...as it is, she would be new to Mac, but since she is doing graphic design, I'm told Mac is the way to go.. |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Behold the inheritance of the Lord are children; the reward, the fruit of the womb. As arrows in the hand of the mighty...(Psalm 126)
|
|
|
|
|
CollegeCatholic
Banned for snarking meanness, disrespect toward the Holy Father, twisting what others say in order to mock them, etc.
Member
Gender:
Location: Terre Haute, IN
Personality type: ISTJ
Posts: 8,998
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
|
|
« Reply #5 on: March 28, 2010, 11:25:PM » |
|
There's a good chance your daughter would know more about computers than you (no offense). Failing that, does she have any friends who are good with technology? Maybe they can help (and give you real-time help).
She is good with graphic design programs, etc, but does not know the technical type stuff...as it is, she would be new to Mac, but since she is doing graphic design, I'm told Mac is the way to go.. That's what I've heard as well.  |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
introibo
Member
Gender:
Posts: 1,575
|
|
« Reply #6 on: March 29, 2010, 07:45:AM » |
|
Sooo...if she goes into a building that has WiFi (say her college student center) then does she need to subscribe to a service? Or is the college the "subscriber"?
Thanks for answers.
Christina
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Behold the inheritance of the Lord are children; the reward, the fruit of the womb. As arrows in the hand of the mighty...(Psalm 126)
|
|
|
DeiMateralma
Member
Gender:
Location: USA
Personality type: ISTJ
Posts: 2,796
|
|
« Reply #7 on: March 29, 2010, 10:34:AM » |
|
Sooo...if she goes into a building that has WiFi (say her college student center) then does she need to subscribe to a service? Or is the college the "subscriber"?
Thanks for answers.
Christina
Usually, the college is the subscriber (at least, that's been my experience). |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
introibo
Member
Gender:
Posts: 1,575
|
|
« Reply #8 on: March 29, 2010, 12:34:PM » |
|
Thanks for all the help...I just won a used Macbook on Ebay, which apparently has the "airport" thing on it, plus about $2000 worth of graphic design software. Got it for $750 postpaid....so I hope it goes well......
Christina
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Behold the inheritance of the Lord are children; the reward, the fruit of the womb. As arrows in the hand of the mighty...(Psalm 126)
|
|
|
|
Rosarium
Guest
|
|
« Reply #9 on: March 29, 2010, 01:29:PM » |
|
There's a good chance your daughter would know more about computers than you (no offense). Failing that, does she have any friends who are good with technology? Maybe they can help (and give you real-time help).
No. Mac users are clueless about computers. It is part of the Apple experience. |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
