London By Email And Internet

Almost anywhere you walk in central London, you will be able to spot an Internet cafe. Though in some places it’s possible to forge a remote link with your home server, in most cases this is a much slower option than taking advantage of free web-based email accounts (e.g., www.gmail.com and www.hotmail.com). For listings of Internet cafes and libraries, see Practical Information .

Increasingly, travelers find that taking their laptop computers on the road with them can be a convenient option for staying connected. Laptop users can call an Internet service provider via a modem using long-distance phone cards specifically intended for such calls. They may also find Internet cafes that allow them to connect their laptops to the Internet. Travelers with wireless-enabled computers may be able to take advantage of an increasing number of Internet “hot spots” (many cafes in London), where they can get online for free or for a small fee. Newer computers can detect these hot spots automatically; otherwise, websites like www.jiwire.com, www.wi-fihotspotlist.com, and www.locfinder.net can help you find them.

Wary Wi-Fi. Wireless hot spots make Internet access possible in public and remote places. Unfortunately, they also pose security risks. Hot spots are public, open networks that use unencrypted, unsecured connections. They are susceptible to hacks and “packet sniffing”—ways of stealing passwords and other private information. To prevent problems, disable ad hoc mode, turn off file sharing, turn off network discovery, encrypt your email, turn on your firewall, beware of phony networks, and watch for over-the-shoulder creeps. Ask the establishment whose wireless you’re using for the name of the network so you know you’re on the right one. If you are in the vicinity of a hot spot and do not plan to access the Internet, turn off your wireless adapter completely.