Traveling as I do can create problems when it comes to being connected to the internet. I seem to have found a way to ease that tension somewhat.........

I travel the highways and biways of North America on a continual basis and therefore getting an internet connection can be a problem. I have a dial-up that allows me to connect from any data jack. The ISP has local dial-up numbers in various cities throughout Canada and the United States. If your location doesn't have a local dial-up there is an 800 number you can use to connect with.

Now a dial-up is okay for getting your mail and instant messaging but when it comes to uploading to or downloading from a website, be it to obtain a new program or large file, maybe you want to FTP some new or edited information to your own site, even browsing can be very time consuming with a dial-up (especially when the telephone lines are noisey and your 56k modem will only connect at 14.4 or less). For this reason I decided to give a wireless connection a whorl. I signed up with a service in its infancy and therefore the provider was offering an extremely good deal on its service. The service is provided by a large truckstop chain and requires that you obtain a wireless network card and antenna for your laptop system. The antenna helps increase the signal strength and range when outside their building. They also provide wired network connections inside their facility. Now I pull into their parking lot, fire up my laptop, plug in the wireless card and voila I'm connected at 11meg.

I have also installed a power inverter in my vehicle and this allows me to plug my computer in (saving the battery) also it provides me with the power to run my printer/scanner as well as my coffee maker and microwave. Now I drive a semi tractor-trailer combination so I have the room inside for all these goodies. In a car or smaller vehicle these extra goodies could make space a little tense.

I'm on the road a lot and for extended periods of time and these two connections allow me to keep in touch with my family and friends in a timley and cost effective manner. When I am lucky enough to have my wife travel with me she is able to not only keep in touch with family and friends but also keep up to date with her online business and online family.

So if you are on the road a lot these connections could very well be of interest to you. Keep your eyes and ears open as the changes in connection speed, type and cost are happening almost as fast as the computers that use them.

If travelling and the internet are a concern for you then you might want to check out T.O.N. Services and Sierra. They can be found in the News Links section.