Article by Aimee Lambertz
Photo by Ricardo / zone 41.net

If you don't know what WiFi is, you're not alone.  When asked if her restaurant offers Internet access, one Bay City employee answered, "Oh, inter-net access.  We're on Statesbrook."

WiFi, or wireless Internet access, allows customers to browse the Internet on their laptop computers from any table in an establishment.  As more businesses attempt to attract today’s technologically savvy youth, WiFi 'hotspots' have popped up in more locations than just the local coffee shops, branching into delis, fast food franchises, bars, and even restaurants like Bob Evans.

Does WiFi service actually bring in more customers? "Not as much as we'd like," says one computer-wise employee of Lighthouse Lounge, a bar that has offered free WiFi for about 6 months.  Perhaps it's not much of a surprise that bar socialites don't usually bring laptops for company, but the employees are hopeful that this will change.

On the other hand, Italian restaurant Tommy V’s Pizzaria draws in an average of 6-7 laptop users a week, according to manager Vanessa Mendoza. "Lawyers, bankers, realtors, and even students doing their homework" take advantage of the slow hours between lunch and dinner to use the free WiFi service.  Some conduct business; others, simply browse; all tend to enjoy a full meal before breaking out the computers.  Mendoza has yet to see a customer come in just for the WiFi and a cup of tea.

So far, Mendoza says, WiFi customers have caused no problems with monopolizing tables during busy hours; on the contrary, they tend to enjoy the peaceful lull between lunch and dinner.

As more business owners become computer-wise, expect more hotspots to pop up in Bay City.  Meanwhile, check the table below for a listing of current Bay City businesses that offer free WiFi service for customers.

How does one log into the WiFi club?

It's easier than you may think. Most hotspots don’t require a password to log on; simply bring your laptop and connect from any table in the restaurant. Of course, the owners ask that you buy something in return for the service. McDonalds does require a password, but you can get it for free at the counter.

If your computer does not have a wireless networking card built in, you can buy a wireless laptop adapter that plugs into your USB port for $69-$89 at Best Buy.

No battery? Each hotspot has 2-3 tables near outlets that you can plug your laptop into.

How to connect to a wireless (WiFi) network

Connecting is simple. Follow the steps below to find out how to connect to a wireless network with Windows 7.

The Shortcut:

Locate the wireless Internet icon in the lower right corner of your screen by the time/date display. It looks like a mini bar graph. Click on it once. A list of wireless networks will appear. These are networks that are within range of your computer. At the top of the list will be a name that sounds like the name of your location; for example, "Brewtopia" or "Tommy V's." Click on this name. Your computer will then ask you for confirmation that you want to connect to this network; click “connect.” You should now be connected to the internet.

WARNING: Your computer will also warn you that the network is "unsecured." Don't worry; all public hotspots are unsecured. That just means that you should not access any sites that may reveal your personal information to others, such as bank sites. This is because, on public networks, third parties can potentially see the pages you visit and obtain any personal information therein. You should always be careful not to access such sites when you are connected to an unsecured, public network.

The Longer Way:

Click on the Start button on the lower-left side of your screen:

From the pop-up list, select Control Panel. The following dialogue box will appear. Click on "Network and Internet."

In the "Network and Internet" dialogue box, locate the "Network and Sharing Center" link. Under this link you should see the option "Connect to a network." Click here.

On the lower right corner of your desktop, a list of possible network connections will appear. These are networks that are within range of your computer. At the top of the list will be a name that sounds like the name of your location; for example, "Brewtopia" or "Tommy V's." Click on this name. Your computer will then ask you for confirmation that you want to connect to this network; click "connect." You should now be connected to the internet.

© Aimee Lambertz, 2010