Europe By Email And Internet

Email is popular and easily accessible in most of Europe. Although in some places it’s possible to forge a remote link with your home server, in most cases this is a much slower (and thus more expensive) option than taking advantage of free web-based email accounts (e.g., www.gmail.com and www.hotmail.com). Internet cafes and the occasional free Internet terminal at a public library or university are listed in the Practical Information sections of major cities. For lists of additional cybercafes in Europe, check out www.cybercaptive.com, www.netcafeguide.com, and www.cybercafe.com.

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 and network discovery, encrypt your email, turn on your firewall, beware of phony networks, and watch for over-the-shoulder creeps.

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. Another option is Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). A particularly popular provider, Skype, allows users to contact other users for free, and to call landlines and mobile phones for an additional fee. Some Internet cafes allow travelers to connect their laptops to the Internet. Travelers with wireless-enabled computers may be able to take advantage of an increasing number of wireless “hot spots,” 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 can help you find them. Bringing your laptop to a cafe can make you stand out as a (seemingly rich) tourist, so be wary of flashing that tech bling in sketchy neighborhoods.