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.

Possible Access Spots

• Your public library: Public access to the Internet, either through on-site computers or wireless access, is available in many public libraries.
• Wireless Hotspots in chain or local restaurants (bring your WiFi-capable computer):

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

  • Panera Bread (free)
  • Starbucks (free by using a Starbucks card; free also for AT&T high-speed Internet customers)
  • Schlotzsky's (free)
  • Krystal (free)
  • Tully's Coffee (free)
  • Caribou Coffee (check site if free)
  • Whole Foods (check site if free)
  • Bruegger's (check site if free)
  • Corner Bakery (check site if free)
  • McDonald's (check site if free)
  • Buffalo Wild Wings (check site if free)
  • Fazoli's
  • Atlanta Bread
  • Bear Rock Cafe
  • Denny's
  • Check your local, independently-run cafe or restaurant
• Businesses offering Net access; computers on-site in some cases; examples:
  • PostNet
  • FedexKinkos.com
  • The UPS Store
  • Skylink
  • Nethook

Directories and Information

• Free WiFi hotspots
• WiFi Directory: find hotspots for free or for a fee
• Free-Hotspot: directory for free free hotspots; also has introductory information
• Internet Cafe: reference entry from answers.com

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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