There is hardly anyone who would complain to find a little Wi-Fi around for free. This explains the reason why you see people with their open laptops wandering the streets to get lucky and find a little blip of a signal so that they can access the internet. There are a number of places around the globe where you can get free Wi-Fi. However, to access it, you need to find some public hotspots or use software tools and Wi-Fi firmware. Here are some of the ways which will help you find free Wi-Fi.

The simplest way to start is by identifying public Wi-Fi hotspots which include libraries, McDonald’s, university campus and the airports, as theses places provide free Wi-Fi as a utility. You can also try out free Windows and other mobile Os applications that enhance Wi-Fi scan and seek. Some of these applications include the Lifehacker for Netstumbler, WeFi for Windows, Wi-Fi Finder for iPhone and iStumbler for Mac. WeFi is a feature rich Wi-Fi hotspot locator which identifies new connections and automatically lets you access the best one that suits your needs. It is also available in a desktop version.

The Open Wi-Fi spots also provide a number of options to find Wi-Fi. The Google Maps mashup informs you the places which provide Wi-Fi near your vicinity and also has a list of services for cheap Wi-Fi. You can use your smartphone online to look for web applications that would help you to find a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Ekahu HeatMapper for the Windows version is also very useful when it comes to mapping wireless signal strength