I have gone on for a few posts about where one can find open WiFi spots and I have not yet talked about security. For some of you security while on line is not a big deal or something we may not know about. Most of us, myself included from time to time just open the old Laptop up at some random Free Spot and start working on this or that. However, there are times that I need security while on a public WiFi.
The best way to secure yourself while using an open WiFi or Free Spot is with a VPN (virtual Private Network). In general VPN uses public Internet lines in one of several unique fashions to create a virtual private network. The VPN can operate between educational institutes, companies and government to provide secure and efficient traffic for their users via a set of software and hardware protocols that encrypt traffic. I don't want to get into the nitty gritty of what a VPN is or is not, but I want to let you know that they are out there.
If your company or Educational institution has a VPN and you have the passwords to use it, than do so. This will make it so others on the same free spot with a computer can't see or even access your computer. The down side of this is that if you are on your companies VPN then that means the IT department can see what you are doing, and if you are looking for a new career on line this could get back to your boss.
Luckily there are some free programs that basically create a free VPN for you. One of the best I have seen so far is Hot Spot Shield. Hot Spot Shield creates a VPN between your computer and secure server. Each client has his or her own account that no one else can access, unless you wear your password on your forehead with a sticky-note.
Canadian's can benefit form this program two fold, not only is your internet usage more secure when you're out in public, but Hot Spot Shield will tunnel you to an IP address in the United States. This means that even Canadians can go back to listening to Pandor Radio, or watching the latest TV shows on Hulu because to the server you are accessing, it looks like you are somewhere in the United States, when actually you are sipping coffee in an Ottawa Bridgehead.
Anther option that I can think of is an add on for FireFox called Foxy Proxy that works in much the same way as Hot Spot Shield but runs within your fireFox browser. You will need to download FireFox if you have done so already and then download Foxy Proxy to run within FireFox. Just like Hot Spot Shield, Foxy Proxy can be switched on and off when ever you like and does not require any new hardware.
Enjoy and Digg.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
At the college
St. Lawrence College in Kingston Ontario offers an open net work for anyone within or near the campus. The college has secure WiFi for it's staff and students, but in addition to the secure WiFi there is publicly accessible signal without encryption. This lends itself to the bipedal wardriver who doesn't mind wondering in the college library for some reading or the cafeteria for a hot cup of joe from the on campus Tim Horton's. However, don't bother trying to use the desktops within the library, you'll need a student ID and password.
Don't worry about not fitting in if you are over the age of 20. Presently with the large number of older people returning to college to upgrade their skills anyone can look like a student, so take a trip to the college for some free WiFi.
Via Rail; Trains and stations
Via rail has been offering free WiFi on it's trains and in the stations for over a year now. At first it was being offered for free because Via was updating their internet service. The service seems to be updated as it has a new launch page and is much faster than before. The WiFi Free Spot can be surfed in the stations or once on board a train. This is great for the traveling business-person or geocacher.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Restricted??
School Board Internet security compromised.
Not too long ago I was working in a high school that had restricted WiFi. I went to the gentleman who was the IT department for help on connecting my computer. It turned out that the password for the school's restricted WiFi was the same password being used by the entire school board. The IT gentleman was no gentleman. He was very rude and agressive, not to mention insulting. He preached to me about security and demanded to have unlimited access to my system for 2 to 3 days before he would consider putting the password on my system. He told me a list of programs I could and could not have on my system. Basically making it impossible for me to join. When I told him that I have a Mac he became more insulting and went on to say that using a mac is stupid. I later learned from a newly hired teacher, that the IT guy told her that a mac would not connect to the WiFi.
One day after my run in with the IT guy, I was working with a student while I had my laptop in front of me. The student suggested that I look for something on the internet help with his research. I told the student I couldn't connect because I didn't have the Password. He smiled and looked at me like I had told him I had never heard of New York City or something just as ridiculous. He said, "All the student's know the the password. If you want to know the password you just ask a student."
I asked him why all the student's knew the password, and he told me that one of the students found out how to get on by watching a teacher type the password onto the compter four years earlier. He went on to say, "It's funny because if a teacher needs to know how to get on the WiFi they just ask one of the students for the password." "The password is passed from student to student like a beach ball at a beach party. This sentiment was later confirmed by one of the teachers I eventually became friendly with who said, "Unofficially, we avoid the IT guy if we can. Usually we go through the students. It's funny because the the IT Guy's preaching of "security" is laughable and kind of joke".
So, I pose the question to my readers; If a "secure" or "restricted" connection is shared openly does that fall under the category of Free Spot or hacking? Should we give out passwords to help out our restricted colleges or not?
Thank you for reading.
Not too long ago I was working in a high school that had restricted WiFi. I went to the gentleman who was the IT department for help on connecting my computer. It turned out that the password for the school's restricted WiFi was the same password being used by the entire school board. The IT gentleman was no gentleman. He was very rude and agressive, not to mention insulting. He preached to me about security and demanded to have unlimited access to my system for 2 to 3 days before he would consider putting the password on my system. He told me a list of programs I could and could not have on my system. Basically making it impossible for me to join. When I told him that I have a Mac he became more insulting and went on to say that using a mac is stupid. I later learned from a newly hired teacher, that the IT guy told her that a mac would not connect to the WiFi.
One day after my run in with the IT guy, I was working with a student while I had my laptop in front of me. The student suggested that I look for something on the internet help with his research. I told the student I couldn't connect because I didn't have the Password. He smiled and looked at me like I had told him I had never heard of New York City or something just as ridiculous. He said, "All the student's know the the password. If you want to know the password you just ask a student."
I asked him why all the student's knew the password, and he told me that one of the students found out how to get on by watching a teacher type the password onto the compter four years earlier. He went on to say, "It's funny because if a teacher needs to know how to get on the WiFi they just ask one of the students for the password." "The password is passed from student to student like a beach ball at a beach party. This sentiment was later confirmed by one of the teachers I eventually became friendly with who said, "Unofficially, we avoid the IT guy if we can. Usually we go through the students. It's funny because the the IT Guy's preaching of "security" is laughable and kind of joke".
So, I pose the question to my readers; If a "secure" or "restricted" connection is shared openly does that fall under the category of Free Spot or hacking? Should we give out passwords to help out our restricted colleges or not?
Thank you for reading.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Library and Archives Canada
The Library and Archives Canada is also a great place to use Free Wifi. Located at 395 Wellington Street Ottawa, ON K1A 0N4 CANADA the archives is secure location and a safe place to work on internet related activities while visiting the Nation's Capital. It is important to note however, you will need to fill out a form and have two pieces of I.D. to get an Archives Card. The card is free but it will take you about 15 minutes the first time. After you have the card and each time you visit you will be required to sign in at the security desk where you will be given a key for a locker. You will be required to leave your backpack, handbags and jackets in the secure locker while visiting the archives. The only thing that you will be allowed to take upstairs with you is your Laptop, Notepad and pencil. No highlighters, pens, markers, bags or jackets. Once on the 3 floor (research floor) you will need to present you Archives Security pass to the IT people who will give you a free User account and Password that will last for about 3 to 4 days. When you can no longer sign in just go to the IT desk and ask for a new log in. Once you have your card, the process of going upstairs to use the WiFi is little hassel.
So, why use the Archives? Because it is quiet, clean, open late and has a spectacular view of the Ottawa River just West of the Parliament Buildings. In addition to that, if you need to leave your desk/laptop for a minute no problems; There are many security gards on hand and security camera throughout, so no one will try and nick your stuff, its as safe as if you were working in the Mint.
So, why use the Archives? Because it is quiet, clean, open late and has a spectacular view of the Ottawa River just West of the Parliament Buildings. In addition to that, if you need to leave your desk/laptop for a minute no problems; There are many security gards on hand and security camera throughout, so no one will try and nick your stuff, its as safe as if you were working in the Mint.
Public Libraries and Information centres.
Public Libraries are great places to use Free Wifi. All of Ottawa's public library branches offer free Wifi with a free membership card. I have also learned that the Westport, Ontario Information Centre has free WiFi even when the office is closed. Just get within a few feet of the building and presto, all the emailing and youtubing you like.
Second Cup
I have learned that the Second Cup in the Glebe 773 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON K1S 3V5 also has free WiFi. When you open your browser it will automatically be navigated to http://www.secondcup.com/ where you will be asked to log into and Second Cup to your Facebook. This is free but will open you up to some spam. Use at your own Risk.
Ottawa Coffee shops with Free Wifi.
So far the only coffee shops that offer free Wifi are the Bridge Heads.
Please note that all the coffee houses will give you a WiFi receipt with User Name and Password that is good for 1 to 2 hours depending on the location. They will happily give this to you after a purchase of anything. Sub-Note: the Bridge Head at Bank and Albert uses an open Wifi that will last you as long as you would like it to.
The coffee houses are as follow.
440 Richmond Rd (at Golden)
Ottawa, ON
Ph. 1.613.729.2100
Fax 1.613.729.2150
Monday to Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
362 Richmond Road (West of Churchill)
Ottawa, ON K2A 0E8
Ph. 1.613.729.4401
Fax 1.613.729.6174
Monday to Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
750 Bank.St (Second Ave)
Ottawa, ON K1S 3V6
Ph. 1.613.236.5445
Fax 1.613.236.7841
Monday to Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
109 Bank Street (at Albert)}
Ottawa, ON K1P 5N5
Ph. 1.613.230.8548
Fax 1.613.230.8445
Monday to Friday 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
366 Bank St. (at Gilmour)
Ottawa, ON K2P 1Y4
Ph. 1.613.569.5600
Fax 1.613.565.5603
Monday to Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
1172 Bank St. (at Grove)
Ottawa, ON K1S 3X8
Ph. 1.613.731.3434
Fax 1.613.731.3437
Monday to Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
1277 Wellington St. (at Caroline)
Ottawa, ON K1Y 3A8
Ph. 1.613.725.5500
Fax 1.613.725.5599
Monday to Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
282 Elgin St. (at MacLaren)
Ottawa, ON K2P 1M3
Ph. 1.613.234.0002
Fax 1.613.234.2524
Monday to Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
131 Beechwood (In New Edinburgh)
Ottawa, ON K1M 1L5
Ph. 1.613.744.3735
Fax 1.613.842.9931
Monday to Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
224 Dalhousie Street (at Guigues)
Ottawa, ON
Ph. 1.613.562.9996
Fax 1.613.562.9997
Monday to Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
96 Sparks St. (at Metcalfe)
Ottawa, ON K1P 5B6
Ph. 1.613.232.4936
Fax 1.613.232.6120
Monday to Friday 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Office and Call Centre
122 Guigues Avenue
Ottawa, ON
K1N 5H7
Ph. 1.613.231.5488
1.800.565.8563
Fax 1.613.231.2106
1.800.474.3216
Please note that all the coffee houses will give you a WiFi receipt with User Name and Password that is good for 1 to 2 hours depending on the location. They will happily give this to you after a purchase of anything. Sub-Note: the Bridge Head at Bank and Albert uses an open Wifi that will last you as long as you would like it to.
The coffee houses are as follow.
440 Richmond Rd (at Golden)
Ottawa, ON
Ph. 1.613.729.2100
Fax 1.613.729.2150
Monday to Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
362 Richmond Road (West of Churchill)
Ottawa, ON K2A 0E8
Ph. 1.613.729.4401
Fax 1.613.729.6174
Monday to Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
750 Bank.St (Second Ave)
Ottawa, ON K1S 3V6
Ph. 1.613.236.5445
Fax 1.613.236.7841
Monday to Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
109 Bank Street (at Albert)}
Ottawa, ON K1P 5N5
Ph. 1.613.230.8548
Fax 1.613.230.8445
Monday to Friday 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
366 Bank St. (at Gilmour)
Ottawa, ON K2P 1Y4
Ph. 1.613.569.5600
Fax 1.613.565.5603
Monday to Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
1172 Bank St. (at Grove)
Ottawa, ON K1S 3X8
Ph. 1.613.731.3434
Fax 1.613.731.3437
Monday to Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
1277 Wellington St. (at Caroline)
Ottawa, ON K1Y 3A8
Ph. 1.613.725.5500
Fax 1.613.725.5599
Monday to Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
282 Elgin St. (at MacLaren)
Ottawa, ON K2P 1M3
Ph. 1.613.234.0002
Fax 1.613.234.2524
Monday to Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
131 Beechwood (In New Edinburgh)
Ottawa, ON K1M 1L5
Ph. 1.613.744.3735
Fax 1.613.842.9931
Monday to Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
224 Dalhousie Street (at Guigues)
Ottawa, ON
Ph. 1.613.562.9996
Fax 1.613.562.9997
Monday to Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
96 Sparks St. (at Metcalfe)
Ottawa, ON K1P 5B6
Ph. 1.613.232.4936
Fax 1.613.232.6120
Monday to Friday 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Office and Call Centre
122 Guigues Avenue
Ottawa, ON
K1N 5H7
Ph. 1.613.231.5488
1.800.565.8563
Fax 1.613.231.2106
1.800.474.3216
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Places to use WiFi internet for free.
I plan to point my readers to all the free Wifi spots that I can find. I hope to update this site as time goes on to make it easier for the reader to find places to use free Wifi. My goal is that others will also post Free Spots that they know about and we can share this information to everyone and anyone.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
