This is the first time I’ve taken my laptop on the road, so connecting to the Internet and retrieving my email from a hotel room is a new experience. It may be old-hat to road warriors, but I’m sharing my experiences for anyone who doesn’t travel regularly.

I’m writing this blog from an EconoLodge in North Carolina, after driving 12+ hours from Connecticut to get here. The drive went smoothly, and the scenery in the Blue Ridge Mountains was beautiful.

When I checked in, the desk clerk said the wireless connection was free, I just had to log into my computer. Well, that was almost true.

After I started my laptop and moved my wireless plug-in until the signal strength was good to very good, I started my email program…and nothing happened.

Finally, I tried my browser program, where I discovered that I had to click the acknowledge button of an agreement for the wireless network I’d be using. Once I clicked that button, my email downloaded; and, I could access the Internet through my browser program.

Uploading photos I’d taken was a hit-or-miss proposition, because my ISP’s secure server didn’t always recognize my laptop from its new location. Most of my other online applications worked ok.

I now know to check my browser first, to see if I need to agree to wireless network terms; and, I need to expect that some secure applications won’t work.

For this trip I’ll be staying at hotels and with friends; so, I’m not sure where I’ll be able to connect to the Internet. As I’m able to connect and upload photos, I will.