does any one know what is available to have internet access on board? mostly away from any land hot spots?
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Internet access
I use my cell when a freebie wireless isn't available. Have been traveling south from Ct. heading towards Fla. Have had a few freebie wireless connections but they are few and far between. The cell on the other hand works fine about 95% of the time. It is a little slow but gets the job done. I use Sprint, and the vision program they have costs 15 bucks a month for unlimited access. On top of your regular phone bill. Am pretty satisfied with this set up, except it is slow as I said. Hope this is of some help.
I use my cell when a freebie wireless isn't available. Have been traveling south from Ct. heading towards Fla. Have had a few freebie wireless connections but they are few and far between. The cell on the other hand works fine about 95% of the time. It is a little slow but gets the job done. I use Sprint, and the vision program they have costs 15 bucks a month for unlimited access. On top of your regular phone bill. Am pretty satisfied with this set up, except it is slow as I said. Hope this is of some help.
internet access at sea
you can also use globalstar, it's slow and more expensive but it works when you're outside cell range. BTW, be careful about using "free" hotspots-a growing hacker trick is to set up an open hotspot, and run a keylogger on the host computer-anytime someone uses the hotspot, they can see exactly what you're typing-userids, passwords, etc. Don't do anything critical unless you know the host.
you can also use globalstar, it's slow and more expensive but it works when you're outside cell range. BTW, be careful about using "free" hotspots-a growing hacker trick is to set up an open hotspot, and run a keylogger on the host computer-anytime someone uses the hotspot, they can see exactly what you're typing-userids, passwords, etc. Don't do anything critical unless you know the host.
I hate to say this....
but it's all in the archives and this link (http://www.ssca.org/sscabb/index.php?action=vtopic&forum=7) here will have an answer for any question you have about communications out on the water. I tried to find a writeup of my research that I did late spring but I couldn't find it and my memory never was any good, but from what I remember, there is one company that offers total global access but their equipment and service is beyond any cruiser's budget. There is a company that plans to have a simi-affordable global access in two years. But if you don't need access in oceans, but within 100 miles of shore, there are many alternatives (Cell, satellite, ...). Have fun in your research.
but it's all in the archives and this link (http://www.ssca.org/sscabb/index.php?action=vtopic&forum=7) here will have an answer for any question you have about communications out on the water. I tried to find a writeup of my research that I did late spring but I couldn't find it and my memory never was any good, but from what I remember, there is one company that offers total global access but their equipment and service is beyond any cruiser's budget. There is a company that plans to have a simi-affordable global access in two years. But if you don't need access in oceans, but within 100 miles of shore, there are many alternatives (Cell, satellite, ...). Have fun in your research.
Illegal
Also be aware that using so called "free" wireless access points is illegal. Also known as stealing. Tim R.
Also be aware that using so called "free" wireless access points is illegal. Also known as stealing. Tim R.
WRONG
Many of those hotspots are provided as a truly FREE public service and are sure as Heck NOT illegal. There are several of them in my town. Now, on the other hand, if you drive down my street and access the internet on my private, personal wireless network, that IS illegal. It is also incredibly stupid on my part to leave my wireless network open to you and I probably deserve anything bad that comes from it.
Many of those hotspots are provided as a truly FREE public service and are sure as Heck NOT illegal. There are several of them in my town. Now, on the other hand, if you drive down my street and access the internet on my private, personal wireless network, that IS illegal. It is also incredibly stupid on my part to leave my wireless network open to you and I probably deserve anything bad that comes from it.
Don't agree
and I haven't seen anybody found guilty of this yet...have seen people charged with it though. See, the problem with this is that it's radio transmittion...and anything that is radio is open to the public. That's like saying I stole your thoughts because I was in range to hear them. I can see this being shot down in court if the guy has a good lawyer.
and I haven't seen anybody found guilty of this yet...have seen people charged with it though. See, the problem with this is that it's radio transmittion...and anything that is radio is open to the public. That's like saying I stole your thoughts because I was in range to hear them. I can see this being shot down in court if the guy has a good lawyer.
So if you break the law
and get away with it, it's okay. Sorry, I forgot that rule. I stand corrected. Larry, if you leave the front door open to your house, can anyone just walk in? That's all I have to say on the subject. Back to the sailing stuff. Tim R.
and get away with it, it's okay. Sorry, I forgot that rule. I stand corrected. Larry, if you leave the front door open to your house, can anyone just walk in? That's all I have to say on the subject. Back to the sailing stuff. Tim R.
charged not equal found guilty
and new laws are not always upheld in court. Like I said...a good lawyer would get this thrown out. It's signals floating through air...if you let it float through air that's not on your property and you don't protect it, then that's your tough luck. That's like throwing me in jail because I picked up the cordless phone and heard my neighbor's conversation.
and new laws are not always upheld in court. Like I said...a good lawyer would get this thrown out. It's signals floating through air...if you let it float through air that's not on your property and you don't protect it, then that's your tough luck. That's like throwing me in jail because I picked up the cordless phone and heard my neighbor's conversation.
Isn't it like...
a neighbor's backyard area light that also illuminates my yard? Neighbor is paying the electricity but it benefits me. Or less so, his tree that also shades my yard? I benefit but he still has the liability? But it's so stupid ... anyone with a wireless network that doesn't want unauthorized users on it simply has to lock it down. Complaining about someone using it if the owner doesn't bother lock it down, ESPECIALLY TAXPAYER DOLLARS TO ENFORCE A LAW, ought to be a crime itself - by the owner. Ok, back to my turkey sandwich now...
a neighbor's backyard area light that also illuminates my yard? Neighbor is paying the electricity but it benefits me. Or less so, his tree that also shades my yard? I benefit but he still has the liability? But it's so stupid ... anyone with a wireless network that doesn't want unauthorized users on it simply has to lock it down. Complaining about someone using it if the owner doesn't bother lock it down, ESPECIALLY TAXPAYER DOLLARS TO ENFORCE A LAW, ought to be a crime itself - by the owner. Ok, back to my turkey sandwich now...
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