Net Cafes

In the past, a Net cafe would offer computers on the premises for you to use to access the net. Now, many locations provide wireless access, so that you would bring your own computer, PDA, or other device with wireless capability and use in the area where the wireless network is provided (the hotspot).

Some Net cafes or locations still provide Internet-connected computers to customers, but these are gradually disappearing with the ubiquity of wireless devices and hotspots.

Locating Public Net Access

You might find hotspots at cafes, hotels, restaurants, bars, airports, and other areas such as at public parks or public libraries.

• WiFi Directory: find hotspots for free or for a fee
• Free-Hotspot: directory for free free hotspots; also has introductory information
• Wi-Fi Free Spot: another good directory of locations that offer Free Wireless High Speed Internet Access
• Wi-Fi Zone: This is another guide to wireless zones, or hotspots where you can use wireless access to the Internet.
• Public Libraries: Public access to the Internet, either through on-site computers or wireless access, is available in many public libraries. Use this index of libraries to find one near you.
• Broadband Wireless Exchange: Municipal Wi-Fi Mesh Networking, WiMAX, and Wireless ISP Information. Some cities are aiming to provide city-wide wireless Internet.
• Internet access integrated into cellphones: Wireless Guide

  If you get free wireless or computer access, be sure to be a good customer (buy food or drink) and follow use conditions.

• Wireless access chain restaurants--bring your Wi-Fi capable handheld/computer; for example:
  • Panera (free)
  • Schlotzsky's (free)
  • McDonald's
  • Whole Foods
  • Caribou Coffee
  • Tully's Coffee
  • Bear Rock Cafe
  • Starbucks
  • Check your local, independently-run cafe
• Businesses offering Net access; computers on-site in some cases; examples:
  • PostNet
  • Kinkos.com
  • The UPS Store
  • Skylink
  • Nethook
• Other reference:
  • Internet Cafe: reference entry from answers.com
  • Kiosks.org: this is an industry association for Internet public terminals.

Using Web-Based Services

In using a Net cafe computer, you can set yourself up with Web-based email and other services. With Web-based email and file storage, you can send and receive messages and access your data from any Internet-connected computer in the world.

• Gmail and Docs & Spreadsheets are popular Web-based services from Google.
• Social Networks: Many online social networks offer Web-based email and many other services.
• Your Internet Service Provider usually offers you access to Web-based email for your account and also online file storage.

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