How to connect to The SPITwSPOTS Network.

What is the SPITwSPOTS Network?

The SPITwSPOTS Network will allow you to connect to the internet, visit web pages, and receive and send e-mail at high speed without needing any cables or telephone lines. You can use it anywhere within range of our transmitters.

The following are required:

A PC, Macintosh, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) or any computer which is internet ready and supports 802.11b Wi-Fi wireless networking.

A wireless networking card or device which supports IEEE 802.11b Wi-Fi standards, installed following the manufacturer's instructions.

An Internet Web Browser.

Connecting to the Service:

Read the instructions which came with the Wi-Fi device.

Insert or attach your Wi-Fi device to your computer, or enable the Wi-Fi device if it is built-in.

Use the Operating System (e.g. Microsoft Windows XP) or the Configuration Utility which came with the Wi-Fi device to search for a wireless network called "SPITwSPOTS, SPITwSPOTS2, Bay_Ave_BB, or Alibi". On Windows XP use "View Available Wireless Networks". On other utilities look for a "Site Survey", "Scan", "Search" or "Refresh" option.

Select one of the wireless networks mentioned above and connect to it following your Wi-Fi device's instructions.

Open your Web Browser and try to go to any web site address, e.g. www.Google.com or www.Yahoo.com.

You will be stopped and redirected to the SPITwSPOTS splash page.

If this is your first time using our network feel free to use the Free 400 k access. Select whether you want to use the free access, or buy a standard account. You can also go to the bottom of the page and see a table of ALL of available subscriptions. Simply click on a price, and be taken to the order form for that product.

If you have used our network before, you may enter your username and password and login, or click "Member's Page".

Choose a username and password (anything that's easy for you to remember). We recommend entering your MAC address in the space provided. You can find your MAC address on the splash page by the Node letter. For more help and information on this please visit our F.A.Q. Windows users can also download a small program to locate it here.  

If you have received a coupon, enter the Coupon Code at the top of the page.

Click "continue".

You must agree to the terms and conditions of use to gain access to the service.

If a Payment is required you will be directed to PayPal's Secure Payment Page.

If you do not have a PayPal Account or you want to use a different credit card click "Secure Checkout". If you have an existing PayPal Account click "Log In".

After your payment has been processed you may browse the web. The first page you go to may redirect you to our splash page, if this happens enter your username and password which you chose earlier. From there you may surf and use email as you like for the period of time you have purchased.

We hope you enjoy using the SPITwSPOTS Network and welcome your feedback. Please send your comments to ideas.webmaster@spitwspots.com

How to setup a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Mac OS X

Connect using Internet Connect. Under File you will see the option New VPN Connection Window. Under Server Host put in "vpnhost." Under username and password put in the username and password created under your realm for VPN clients. Click connect.

Windows XP

• START -> Connect To -> Show all connections
• File -> New Connection
• click Next
• select "Connect to the network at my workplace" -> click Next
• select "Virtual Private Network Connection" -> click Next
• enter a suitable Connection Name (eg. "Mesh VPN") -> click Next
• select "Do not dial the initial connection" -> click Next
• enter the Host Name "vpnhost." (yes, including the final full stop but without the quotes) -> click Next
• click Finish

next you should make some simple changes to help protect you from the Internet...

• click Properties
• click tab Networking
• deselect "File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks"
• deselect "Client for Microsoft Networks"
• click tab Advanced
• select "Protect my computer and network..." (Internet Connection Firewall)
• click OK

finally, you can start your new VPN connection...

• enter the User Name and Password for the "VPN" class account you set up in your realm earlier
• if you want to make your life easier, click "Save this user name..."
• click Connect

Installing Wireless Networking on Your Computer

If you do not already have a wireless or "Wi-Fi" device for your computer, you will need to purchase one from a local computer store. You will need to tell them the type of computer you have and the operating system, for example: Desktop PC, Laptop or PDA; Windows XP, Pocket PC, MAC OSX.

For a desktop PC you should consider a PCI or USB 802.11b Wireless Adapter. If selecting a USB device, please make sure that your computer has USB ports and also buy a USB extension cable of at least 6 feet. USB Wi-Fi devices are typically low power, so with a cable you can put it in the best place.

For a Laptop/Notebook PC you should consider a PCMCIA Card or USB 802.11b Wireless Adapter.

We recommend a device with at least 100mw of transmit power for maximum range and convenience.

All devices should carry the "Wi-Fi" logo.

Alternatively, contact SPITwSPOTS at help@spitwspots.com so that they can arrange for a local engineer to call and install an approved device for you, and show you how to use it.

Once you have your device, follow the installation instructions that came with it carefully. Once installed, you may have to position or aim the supplied antenna to get the best signal, much like tuning a TV or Radio antenna.

We highly recommend you have anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall software installed when you are connected to the internet. See http://feeedpro.net/protectmypc for more information.

How Much Will It Cost?

SPITwSPOTS offers a range of packages available to suit both tourists and residents. Prices can be found at www.SPITwSPOTs.com.

Questions?

Should you have any further questions, please call (907)299-4052.