The free Wi-Fi hotspot you just logged into in the hotel lobby to read your e-mail, conduct your banking, or read the news wasn’t necessarily a nice amenity provided by the hotel.  In fact, it might have been operated by the well-dressed gentleman sitting beside the potted palm.  While you sent your confidential proposal, he was collecting people’s credit cards numbers, user names, and passwords, all while enjoying the ambiance and a drink from the lobby bar.
Referred to as “evil twins,” hot spots that seem legitimate but are operated by …

Three days before I am to fly to China, I encounter a problem with my ThinkPad.  With the help of Lenovo tech support in Atlanta, Georgia I find out that my ThinkPad’s wireless card has gone POOF.  The day before I am to leave I receive a replacement card.  I call tech support again, and am told to watch the instructional videos on line that show how to remove the 4 screws for the keyboard, 9 screws for the palm rest, and then how to swap out the wireless card, …

Lufthansa has offered FlyNet in-flight Internet service (powered by Connexion by Boeing) since mid-2004; recently, the airline added the service to New York flights ( it was launched on the Los Angeles – Munich route).  Here is a test drive.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005, 11,000 m over Europe
As soon as we reached cruising altitude, my computer detected Wi-Fi and I logged into FlyNet.  Seat power outlets are conveniently located and I had a choice of U.S. or the European Schuko connection systems.  I started off with simple chores, such as checking …

Wednesday, 9 November 2005, New York City
I start writing this column in Lufthansa’s Senator lounge.  I’m about to depart on a flight from New York (JFK) to Munich (MUC).  First things first: Lufthansa has the best beer; perhaps I shouldn’t mention this, but they have Spaten Oktoberfest on tap.
But I digress.
I’m going to Munich for several reasons, including client meetings and to participate in BMW’s European Delivery program.  The trip also presents an opportunity for me to finally test the Lufthansa FlyNet service (powered by Connexion by Boeing).  Earlier this …

How to Deliver “Free” Broadband – and Take Two Giant Steps Backwards – in One Fell Swoop
Lotusphere 2004, Lotus Development Corp.’s mammoth customer event, started today (this article is being written on Sunday, the 25th of January), as it does every year at this time.  Traditionally, thousands of Lotus customers, business partners and members of the media descend on Walt Disney World, concentrating on the Dolphin and Swan hotels.
This year, I’m staying at the Swan which late last year, along with the Dolphin, implemented broadband Internet access in all of its guest …