Surfing at McDonalds

[bossychloe]

Hi, How do I go about sufring on my laptop at McDonalds etc., Is it safe and how do you set it up?
I use BT broadband at home but I am very new to computers and haven't been brave enough to try my laptop outside. Can anyone give me instructions on how to set it up?
Thanks

[kujawski]

mm. it depends.
has you laptop a wireless network if so then maybe,
but your local mcdonalds will need to have an access point, (a wireless net work thingy) that your laptop will then connect to

[bossychloe]

Yes my laptop a has wireless network - just now sure how or what to press to connect to their network. It's supposed to be simple but it sounds technical to me. Chloe x

[kujawski]

ok,
normally your laptop will tell you if there is a network nearby that it can connect to.(if it can detect one)
if not click > start > Control Panel > Network and Internet connections > Set up a wireless network for a home or small office, and a wizard will pop up and help you.
thing is i doubt it that your local mcdonalds will have a wireless router (network thingy) that you can connect to, although some cafes / places in london do.

[bossychloe]

Thank you, I will certainly give it a try. Chloe x

[mushroom25]

with your wireless "on" and making sure you're not using a proxy server (see Internet Properties\connections\LAN settings, uncheck proxy), open your browser. You'll be presented with the ISP's (usually T-Mobile) sign in page, give them your credit card number (for �5.00 per hour) then away you go.

[pingu748]

McD's access is through O2 ... use it all the time ... very reliable & the odd one is free ! You can even use it from the car park ... just beware they generally dont have or dont like you using their power sockets ... something to do with lickle children putting things in them !