There are numerous ways to connect to the internet when out and about. Notebook computer owners may desire to make use of much-hyped wireless hotspots. These are Wifi internet connections available at lots of different places, from pubs and coffee-shops to railway concourses and airport lounges.

To get online using a hotspot, you’ll need some login information. Generally, this will be on sale at the venue providing the hotspot, and occasionally it is free. In this Workshop we’ll explore how to both locate and connect to a hotspot. You’ll need a portable computer with Wifi connectivity (most new notebooks have this; or an adapter can be bought pretty cheaply).

The price of a hotspot
Though convenient, if planning on regular hotspot use then buying vouchers at £6 an hour (for BT Openzone) or £5 an hour (for Starbucks) is pretty expensive. Heavier users can shop around for better deals. The Cloud’s new Ultra Wifi deal offers unlimited minutes on 7,000 hotspots around the UK for £11.99 per month, on a minimum 12-month contract. Boingo (www.boingo.com) offers a similar deal at $21.95 (around £12), with no minimum term and this access is valid worldwide. The best value of BT Openzone’s price plans is 500 minutes per month for £5.88 – but this is only available to BT Broadband or BT Mobile customers. Buying 4,000 monthly minutes will cost you £40.

How to access the internet on the move.