t's a little less exciting than it sounds, unfortunately. Grab your
vehicle (you'll look a bit suspicious on a bicycle, but more power to
you), your mobile device, and start scanning the skies. You probably
have an unsuspecting neighbor or two that hasn't yet bothered to put up a
password on their network.
- Use a hotspot database. WeFi has a huge list of over 100 million
Wi-Fi hotspots around the world, including rural areas you might not
expect. They've also got apps for iPhone and Android, so you're never
without a search engine to find yourself a connection.
- If your device still isn't cutting it, there is software you can download (for free!) to enhance your network-finding capabilities. Even the hidden networks will turn up. For Windows, NetStumbler, InSSIDer or Ekahau Heat Mapper are good bets. For Macs, iStumbler or KisMac; for Linux, Kismet or SWScanner.
- Just don't do any banking or online purchases on this connection; you're going through an unencrypted connection. Please note that this may be illegal in some areas.
