How to Get A Free Internet Connection

If you don't have an internet connection, or just don't feel like coughing up the money for something you only use once a week, here is how you can get free internet.

Finding free wifi is now easier than ever. Many businesses, such as cafes and coffee shops, now offer free wifi: look for any signs or flyers advertising this. Or chances are, you can turn on your laptop and find an unsecured wireless network with the business's name. Some places that you may be able to find free wifi could be the local public library, Barnes and Noble, McDonald's, the airport, university campus, independent coffee shop, or hotel lobby. However, not all airports or hotels or even campuses offer free wifi, so be sure to ask around to find out if yours does.

Some Internet Service Providers offer free internet connections, however they are often slow and have clunky ads. Some ISPs you can try are Netzero and AOL. (AOL is only free for a limited time if you've never had an account with them.) You can also try The Free Site for links to a few more free or low-cost ISPs.

Often a search for wireless networks in the neighborhood brings up some of your neighbor's wireless networks. You can connect to it (assuming if it is unprotected) and connect to the internet. However, please note that this may be illegal in some areas and may cause conflicts with your neighbors. Some people even take this a little to far and do "war-driving", which basically means you drive around several close neighborhoods searching for unprotected wireless networks and stopping when you finally find one to use the internet.  

• Don't do any banking or online purchases on any unsecured wireless connection because you're connecting to an unencrypted connection. You never know who is "listening in"- could be a hacker waiting to find out your bank account.
• Please note that using someone's wireless network without their permission may be illegal in some areas and you may be subject to some consequences.
• Please note: The internet connection probably won't be fast. It will most likely actually be very slow. Before you get angry, please remember: The internet connection was free. So don't complain!