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Getting Started - The Basics

HOTSPOTZZ Capabilities Subscription

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Why use HOTSPOTZZ Wireless Internet service?

HOTSPOTZZ puts an Internet's worth of information in your hands at all times. Check email remotely as easily as you do voicemail. Check a website while standing in line for a smoothie or doing laundry. HOTSPOTZZ makes life easier.

Once you try HOTSPOTZZ, there's no going back!
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Where can I buy a wireless LAN card?

Directly from manufacturers such as Cisco, IBM, Lucent, 3Com, and Compaq. Or try these authorized resellers: CDW, Insight, PC Connection, and MicroWarehouse.

Note: Some notebook PCs from Dell, Compaq, IBM, and Apple are being shipped with the cards pre-installed or as a factory option. Ask your manufacturer or employer's Information Technology department whether 802.11b is installed on your model.

Before purchasing a card for your computer, be sure to confirm that it is compatible with your model. You can easily do this by reviewing the technical specification of your computer or calling the manufacturer's customer service center. HOTSPOTZZ Wireless, Inc. does not warrant or guarantee the installation or performance of a wireless card or its manufacture.
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How do I reconfigure my computer settings?

HOTSPOTZZ requires only a few simple changes to your computer. Use this table to locate instructions for your operating system and wireless LAN card. If you don't see your card or operating system here, write to our customer service team or call 1-866-776-8991. Customer Service hours are Monday - Friday 9 am to 6 pm MST.


Manufacturer Model Windows 2000 Windows 95/98/ME Mac OS
3Com AirConnect YES YES N/A
Apple AirPort Wireless N/A N/A YES
Cabletron Roamabout 802.11 DS High Rate YES YES N/A
Cisco Aironet 340/350 Series YES YES N/A
Compaq WL100 YES YES N/A
IBM High Rate Wireless LAN YES YES N/A
Intel PRO/Wireless 2011 YES YES N/A
Linksys Instant Wireless YES YES N/A
Lucent Orinoco Gold/Silver YES YES N/A
SaramNcom Nanospeed YES YES N/A
Sony PCWA-1000 YES YES N/A
Xircom CWE1130 CreditCard Wireless YES YES N/A


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Where is the troubleshooting guide?

Please read our troubleshooting guide for solutions to common challenges encountered when learning to use HOTSPOTZZ.
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How do I log on to a HOTSPOTZZ Roaming Location?

To logon at HOTSPOTZZ roaming sites, you need to:

  • Set the SSID to public or to the respective network SSID (See the Global Locator for network SSID's).
  • For example if you signed up using a PayGo or Subscription account, your USER ID is scott@hotspotzz.com, to log on at a Coffee Garden location, you would type cott@hotspotzz in the USER ID FIELD, then type in your password as you usually do.
  • View screenshots of the login process.

    Please note: for more help on what @hotspotzz ending you should be using, click here.

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How do I log on to a network with WEP encryption

When your computer senses a wireless network, it should pop up with a notification balloon like this:



Click on the balloon as it suggests, to open the wireless connection window.

Tip: If there was no balloon, you could also access these settings by right-clicking the wireless network icon and choosing View Available wireless networks.

Click on the network you are trying to connect to, then click the connect button at the bottom right.



Windows will determine what type of network it is.



On a WEP-Encrypted network, a box will appear to let you enter the WEP key.



Type in the Key, confirm it by typing it again, and click connect. A WEP Key is a hexadecimal value (can contain numbers or letters A-F only)



It will take a few moments for windows to get the connection info it needs.



Windows will then inform you that you are connected. Open your favorite browser and surf away.

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Is HOTSPOTZZ fast?

Superfast. HOTSPOTZZ's network can transmit information at speeds of up to 11 Mbps, which is 50 to 200 times faster than a typical dial-up or cellular modem. Speeds vary depending on location.
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Can I use all the features of the Internet with HOTSPOTZZ?

Yes.

  • Read and send email
  • Surf the Net
  • Use instant messaging

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How can I use HOTSPOTZZ with AOL, CompuServe, MSN, and other large ISPs?

See our Online Service Guide
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Can I access my employer's email system and network?

Yes. HOTSPOTZZ provides the same unrestricted access to the Internet offered by most ISPs (Internet Service Providers, such as Earthlink).

If you can access company email remotely with a traditional dial-up connection, then you can access it with HOTSPOTZZ. Many organizations allow employees to access email and the internal network remotely. Check with your Information Technology department for details.
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How do I know if my laptop or personal digital assistant (PDA) can work with HOTSPOTZZ?

HOTSPOTZZ works on PC-compatible and Macintosh computers equipped with a 802.11b-compatible wireless LAN card, sometimes referred to as a wireless NIC, 802.11b, Wi-Fi, WaveLAN, or AirPort card.

Note: Some notebook PCs from Dell, Compaq, IBM, and Apple are being shipped with the cards pre-installed or as a factory option.

Some employers will supply you with a card. Check with your IT department. Also, cards are easily purchased from a manufacturer or authorized reseller.
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Can I use HOTSPOTZZ with something other than a laptop?

Yes. You can use anything that's "compatible with 802.11b wireless high-speed technology."

  • Laptops are the most common way to use HOTSPOTZZ, but...
  • Many personal digital assistants (PDAs) are becoming 802.11b compatible.
  • Check with your manufacturer or Information Technology department if you aren't sure.
  • Over 200,000 companies have adopted this standard for wireless LAN. Major vendors including Cisco, Intel and Lucent are producing 802.11b-compatible equipment.

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How much does the service cost?

HOTSPOTZZ Wireless Internet Service is very affordable, and less than most ISP services! Find out how to get a month of free service!
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How do I cancel my HOTSPOTZZ subscription?

Please email us your HOTSPOTZZ User ID and reason for cancellation.
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How do I contact HOTSPOTZZ customer service?

Please email customerservice@hotspotzz.com, or call 1-866-776-8991. Customer Service hours are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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What if I forgot my password?

If you forgot your password, please contact HOTSPOTZZ Customer Service at 1-866-776-8991. Customer Service hours are Monday - Friday 9 am to 6 pm MST.

Please be ready to give the Password Hint Question and Password Hint Answer that you defined when you created your account. No changes will be made without this information.
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Where can I connect to HOTSPOTZZ?

HOTSPOTZZ's Location Finder helps you find your closest locations in the Bay Area.

HOTSPOTZZ has many locations in the Bay Area, and more are added daily! Check our website frequently for the list of current and planned locations.
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Once I have a HOTSPOTZZ account and I'm at a HOTSPOTZZ location, how do I get on the Net?

  1. Make sure you're at a certified HOTSPOTZZ location. Look for the HOTSPOTZZ sticker on the front window.
  2. Start your laptop as you normally do.
  3. Open your favorite web browser.
  4. Enter your user ID and password (the one you entered in the HOTSPOTZZ subscription form).
  5. Go!

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How do I get a location equipped with HOTSPOTZZ?

Let us know if you would like our service installed, and we'll do the rest!
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Who do I call with other questions?

E-mail Us
1-866-776-8991. Customer Service is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

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