Can I get my computer online without a home phone line or cable connections?

yes, with wi-fi-max/fixed.like www clearwire.com if you have it in your area! Tethering a cell phone on a data plan is the only option left.

Outside of stealing someone else's WiFi If wifi isn't available you can get a broadband card and service through most cell phone providers or you can hook your cell phone to your computer via a cable and get internet that way, that's what I do and its $24.99 a month. cell phone network or satellite

But for the price, satellite should be better You could try to piggy back off of someone else's Internet. It might not be ethical, but it is possible. I do it often when I travel and am in a down town location. There is often an unsecured wireless network nearby.

The key is that the network is unsecured. Networks should be secured, but some people get lazy or even wish to offer free Internet. For example, McDonald's now has free Wi-Fi.

With a Wi-Fi card installed (probably 802.11g), click on the Start/Control Panel/Network Connections. Then right click your wireless connection and select View Available Connections. What you are looking for is Unsecured Network. The icon on the left should be an antennae and not a couple of laptops. Try to connect by double clicking it. Do NOT try to connect to the laptops icon as this is kind of dangerous if you don't know what you are doing.

Now, that said above, be aware that you are using an exposed network. That means you are now exposed too. If you have a shared folder on your system, you have a back door into your system. Using an unsecured network is not something the casual person should do... even at McDonald's. I find it easy to hack into people on these networks (no, I don't do that, but can).

You are better served if you use your own network and have it secured. Yep, it costs money. In regards to finding an open wi-fi conection and piggy backing on it:unless it is a network specificly set up for sharing (like at Mcdonalds) in many areas this is very illegal.And yes,I am hearing of big fines for doing it.Also,if you are using someone else's network,it is going to be alot slower for both of you.Also,if you are in the middle of something and they shutdown their network,you're screwed.

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