<VV> Need high speed access advice--NO CORVAIR

[Bill Hubbell]

All of this is good information, but did anybody actually answer Bill 
Stanley's original questions (perhaps offline)?

I use Cox cable as my internet provider, with a wireless router at home 
(using WPA-PSK and a secure key generated as Kent suggested).  Security is 
provided by a variety of measures, and kept up to date on a constant basis, 
with periodic checks for functionality.

Yes, there are many places that offer "free" wireless internet access, but 
at the same time many other places are starting to charge.  You will 
probably find that most airports will charge for their wireless access. 
Many business, such as Barnes and Noble, Starbucks, etc., offer wireless ISP 
plans that can also be accessed in many other locations. However, in some 
cases, you may be able to access the internet using a service plan provided 
by your cell phone operator, and some of these are honored at airports, etc. 
Free wireless internet service is a confusing patchwork right now and cannot 
be completely relied upon in all areas.

As for using a wireless router to network your computers within your 
high-rise, I suspect that you might have difficulty transmitting the signal 
11 stories.  I don't know for a fact although I am sure somebody on this 
list does...) but I suspect the usual home wireless router's signal will not 
go that far.

Cox Cable provides additional Remote dial-up access for those times when you 
are away from home and cannot find a free wireless hotspot.  There is a 
one-time set-up fee of $9.95 to start the service, but after that you have 5 
hours of dial-up access per month with no additional charges to your bill.

Bill Hubbell