We are traveling in a motorhome from the US border to Cabo San Lucas. We pay bills and do online banking on a regular basis on our laptop computer.
Is wi-fi generally available in RV campgrounds and/or in restaurants in some of the smaller towns? If not, any suggestions? Thanks Ronwoody with a view - 11-28-2009 at 03:30 PM
yes. just ask around. on another note, how does one protect their accounts and pin #'s while using some strangers wi-fi?absinvestor - 11-28-2009 at 03:39 PM
Thanks. I use an anti virus that won't let others access my computer and I always clear history and files after each use. We lived in Baja Norte for
two years in the mid 90's. We didn't even have a computer until we moved back to the States in 1997. I would have never left but the wife just got too
homesick for the kids (and now 6 grandkids.) RonRuss - 11-28-2009 at 04:17 PM
Ron, there are USB antennas that will increase your range quite a bit. Pick one with around a 10 db gain and directional.
-
" Use a USB wireless network adapter with external antenna. USB Wi-Fi adapters hook onto the back or side of a laptop with a short USB cable. The
external antenna on these adapters improves signal range, and the antenna can be adjusted/pointed for fine tuning. To use this option, the laptop must
have an open USB port available. Additionally, other network adapter(s) on the laptop should be disabled to prevent interference."
This is what I have for my Mac http://afterthemac.com/?OVRAW=afterthemac&OVKEY=afterthe... and it works great.There must be a lot more to choose from for PC's. But this
will give you an idea what I'm talking about.
[Edited on 11-28-2009 by Russ]woody with a view - 11-28-2009 at 04:36 PM
but can't the owner of the wifi grab all of your info while you do work over his network?k-rico - 11-28-2009 at 04:56 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by woody in ob
but can't the owner of the wifi grab all of your info while you do work over his network?
Not if the website is using SSL encryption, https:// not http://
All websites that do financial transactions use it. If not don't use the website.woody with a view - 11-28-2009 at 05:11 PM
REALLY?
that's why i spend all day here. the things you'll learn!!! who cares about sunrise fotos and tamale stores....fishingmako - 11-28-2009 at 06:08 PM
There are WI-FI hot spots all up and down the penninsula , even sitting in your vehicle you can grab a hot spot, like you said no problem, just clear,
and have some encryption.
I just went all the way to Cabo and back Wi-Fi every where.
learning and eating
wessongroup - 11-28-2009 at 06:20 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by woody in ob
REALLY?
that's why i spend all day here. the things you'll learn!!! who cares about sunrise fotos and tamale stores....
Woody, not to quibble.. but, I never before in my life got to sit around all day and get to have fun and learn all kinds of neat stuff, why just
yesterday I learn where to buy "smoked fish" in Ensenada and to check and see if it was cooked over mesquite wood, plus the sunrises, sunsets, and
tamales too..
This place is great... I can't believe how much you get to pick up every day from this place..even saw a Moose molesting a statue of a bisonRuss - 11-28-2009 at 06:21 PM
I found the site where 80% of the people here bought their antennas. But it appears that they don't sell the USB antenna any longer. This is a very
high gain antenna. Fryes would have them on sell for 1/2 price, last year. http://airlink101.com/products/asb-10da.php
Maybe there is an USB adapter for this on??
BajaNuts - 11-29-2009 at 12:14 AM
and remember, y'all that a newmad has posted a QUESTION!
and the answer is..............????????????
The antenna can boost range, but did that answer the security question?
If doing online financial transactions online in a secured-but-not-private connection is a concern, perhaps there is a person in the States you would
trust with doing your transactions for you.
There is a lot of security when you are the only computer on any particular IP address (such as when you have your own internet connection, which you
can use with your own wireless laptop) as opposed to taking your laptop to an internet cafe ( or RV campground or other lodging!) ...where
who-knows-how-many may have the security password and can be monitoring traffic.
I personally have the HennyPenny attitude and I assume that if I am on a public computer network, someone or anyone, could be monitoring my every
keystroke. But on a lighter note, I really don't think the sky is falling.........YET!
And if there are security measures out there for this type of situation, I would appreciate hearing about them!
