Before you depart for your country/location of choice, find out what your connectivity options are—and more importantly, how easy/difficult it is to access them. Just because a country is well-known for its prevalence in Internet use does not necessarily mean that it is easy for the passing visitor to access. The United States, for example, has Internet access in about 75% of all homes. Therefore, local Internet-email cafés/public access points are often difficult to find (save for the extreme tourist areas). Furthermore, the availability of web "scratcher cards" are almost nonexistent. However, developing countries often have Internet cafés/public access points (as well as pre-paid "scratcher" dial-up cards) in abundance for the masses who cannot afford a computer of their own, or the long-term service agreement. Check the Web (Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree forum and the expat blogs are often helpful) and your guide book for information on Internet availability and options before you leave.
Connecting to the Internet
These days we have many ways to connect to the Internet, through a standard telephone line "dial-up" account, a high-speed service at home or office (such as cable, DSL, ADSL, or satellite), the "hotspot" (wireless) connection points widely available in big cities (Starbucks, libraries, airports, shopping malls), or through the use of your mobile/cell phone. Therefore you, the Laptop Hobo, need to have all of these at your disposal because you never know when you'll be Internet stranded.
Internet-Email Cafés/Public Access Points (IEC)
The most popular way for travelers to check emails and to access the Internet has been at the, so-called, Internet-email cafés. (Let's call them IECs.) Business such as these are quit common in the high tourist areas throughout the world. In developing countries, IECs are even more prevalent since many local people who cannot afford a computer of their own have to go to the shop down the street. Although some of IECs prefer that you do not transfer their LAN cable (which looks like a standard telephone line, only fatter) connection over to your laptop, the majority of IECs are quit helpful in getting your Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) configured. In fact, many of the IECs have made special, very comfortable seating areas especially for the Laptop Hobo. (Even more amazing is that some of these Internet cafés actually have food and drink for sale!) In addition to the commercial IECs, you can often check emails and connect your laptop to the Internet at community libraries.
Connecting: Disconnect the LAN cable from the terminal you are using and connect it into your LAN (RJ-45) port. If your LAN connection does not configure automatically (most will), then you may may have to input the settings manually. Here's how (that is, if there is no one there to help you): In Network Connections, right-click Local Area Connection; choose Properties; choose Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). Then match the IP and DNS addresses to that of the terminal you are using.
Wireless Wi-Fi (Hotspot) Locations
Similar to the IECs, wireless hotspots are the more advanced Internet access option for the Laptop Hobo. Starbucks Coffee is well-known for having high-speed hotspot access in the majority of their establishments throughout the world. However, other coffee houses, hotels, international airports and high-end shopping malls also provide high-speed wireless service to their customers either free of charge, or for a reasonable fee. All you need is to have Wireless LAN (WLAN) hardware and software active in your computer. (If not built in already, you should purchase an external WLAN attachment from your local computer store.) [Tip: many owners of personal and business WLAN connections, such as at the First Class Lounges at international airports, do not password protect their WLAN connection. Therefore, sit close to such places and you might be able to connect for free.] (To find a Wi-Fi Hotspot near you, visit www.Wi-FiHotspotList.com.)
Connecting: Activate the WLAN/Wireless switch on your computer (if there is one). In Network Connections, right-click Wireless Network Connection (this would be the default name), make sure it is Enabled, select View Available Wireless Networks. After a few seconds, a list of available signals in your immediate area will appear. Refresh Network List if necessary. [For more information on Wi-Fi access, visit Jeff Van West's page.]
Dial-up (Land-Line) Service
We all know this one, don't we? Yes, it is the original Internet connection—the standard (RJ-11) telephone line that connects to your telephone/modem port. With dial-up service, you need three things to connect to the Internet: 1. your computer's built-in modem. 2. An analog telephone line. (Make sure it is not a digital line which could damage your modem.) 3. A dial-up account (like AOL, but we don't necessarily recommend this choice). If you are staying with a friend or an associate who already has a dial-up account, perhaps you can access theirs during your visit. If not, you will will need to purchase a pre-paid Internet dial-up "scratcher" card (which is not unlike how many of us access and pay for our mobile phone service while traveling). Please see Pre-paid "Scratcher" Card below for details. Also, please see Dial-up Service via Mobile Phone below for configuring your laptop to your mobile telephone.
Connecting: In Network Connections, choose the Create A New Connection wizard; choose Connect to the Internet; choose Set Up My Connection Manually; choose Connect Using a Dial-up Modem; (give this ISP connection a name, eg: London dial-up); enter the ISP's telephone number (a list will be provided to you from your service provider); enter the User Name and Password (which is case sensitive); select Finish.
Pre-paid "Scratcher" Card
As mentioned above in Dial-up Service, you will need an ISP access to get onto the Internet. Since you are traveling, buying into a long-term plan (such as AOL) is neither cost-effective or easy to do (mainly because Laptop Hobos lack residency). Therefore, you will need to use the pre-paid option which is widely available in most countries (except the USA), usually purchased at computer service centers and convenience stores (such as 7-11).
Connecting: same as Dial-up (Land-line) Service above.
Dial-up Service via Mobile Phone
When land-line connections are unavailable (standard dial-up telephone or high-speed cable service), and no wireless hotspot points are around , what do you do? Use your mobile/cell phone! Just like your standard (land-line) telephone, your mobile phone (with Bluetooth capability) will connect your laptop to the Internet. The speed may be as slow as George W. Bush admitting to a Global-warming problem, but you can get on to the Net in some of the most remote and mobile areas (eg: islands, small villages, trains).
As just stated, there is very little difference (other than speed) between your land-line connection at home and the one through your mobile phone. If you your mobile/cell phone has Bluetooth capability (which is a radio frequency that enables devices to connect to one another without wires), as well as your laptop (or have the external attachment), then all you need is ISP dial-up account (such as a pre-paid "scratcher" card). Please note that Bluetooth does not configure to mobile/cell phones in many countries. Additionally, not all mobile/cell phones work in all countries (therefore, be sure that you select either a GSM or a tri-band mobile phone for when you travel).
Connecting: similar to that of standard dial-up (land-line) service above. In Network Connections, choose the Create A New Connection wizard; choose Connect to the Internet; choose Set Up My Connection Manually; choose Connect Using a Dial-up Modem; [here, however, a screen will appear with the option of using your standard modem, or the Bluetooth link. Choose the Bluetooth link]; give this ISP connection a name, eg: London dial-up; enter the ISP's telephone number (a list will be provided to you from your service provider); enter the User Name and Password (which is case sensitive); select Finish. As for your mobile phone, you will need to follow the instructions provided with the unit. Do note that your mobile phone set-up procedures will probably offer you password protection. This is a good option. Just remember not to forget what your 4-diget number is!
High-speed Cable (Land-line) Service
If you are going to be in place for several months and the local high-speed Internet Service Provider does not require a lengthy contract, you may be able to take advantage of this preferred Web access option. This is especially useful for those Laptop Hobos whose work involves very large file sizes.
Connecting: Don't worry, the cable people will take care of that for you.
For connectivity within a specific country, please visit NuNo's Forum on Connectivity.