Puerto Rico By Email And Internet

Internet access is widespread in Puerto Rico. Cybercafes have even sprung up in the small towns of Puerto Rico’s central mountains. Logging on will usually cost about $1 per 10min. Though 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, 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 a list of additional cybercafes in Puerto Rico, check out www.netcafeguide.com.

Increasingly, travelers find that taking their laptop computers on the road 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. And most excitingly, travelers with wireless-enabled computers may be able to take advantage of an increasing number of Internet “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, www.wififreespot.com, and www.wi-fihotspotlist.com can help you find them. For information on insuring your laptop while traveling, see . Travelers should be aware that the extreme heat and humidity in Puerto Rico can damage laptops.

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 e-mail, 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 and do not plan to access the Internet, turn off your wireless adapter completely.