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Are there WiFi settings to enhance my Mac's ability to pick up free WiFi when available? I have never adjusted, the settings are default. Thanks.

2010-09-28 09:04:00
HiTry AirportradarAirPort Radar Widget is supposed to help you find AirPort and other wireless networks and hotspots instantly. AirPortradar shows you all the networks that are available http://airport-radar-widget.en.softonic.com/mac Whisher is a tool that helps you get free WiFi access all around the world.Additionally it offers a range of tools and services that will take your wireless experience to a new level.
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http://mac.softpedia.com/get/Internet-Utilities/Whisher.shtml iStumbler (free):iStumbler is the leading wireless discovery tool for Mac OS X, providing plugins for finding AirPort networks, Bluetooth devices, Bonjour services and Location information with your Mac. . After you install and launch the app, note which wireless network has the strongest signal, and then click the AirPort icon in the menubar to connect. http://www.istumbler.net /Setting up a wifi network for Mac and PC? http://www.askdavetaylor.com/setting_up_wifi_network_for_mac_and_pc.html How to Connect a Mac to a Wi-Fi Network http://www.ehow.com/how_5370326_connect-mac-wifi-network.html Mac auto-connect to wifi network1) Start out with Apple --> System Preferences... and choose Network2) What you want to do is specify Automatic for Location and Airport for Show.3)To change a preferred network connection, select it and click "Edit", and do remove one that you no longer want to have on your preferred (auto-connect) list, simply delete it from the list by selecting it and clicking on the "-" button.4)To add a new preferred network, click on "+" 5)Type in the name (SSID, base station ID, whatever you want to call it) of the network you want to join, then specify the correct security, if any. If the network does use some sort of password scheme, you'll be promoted for the network access password too: type that in, click "OK" and you should now have a new preferred network on the list, the network you want to be able to automatically join whenever it's detected.http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/4-free-wifi-software-downloads-to-take-advantage-of-wireless-networks-nb/
M.S. Smith
2010-09-28 07:06:00
I'm not aware of any way to really improve your wireless signal strength. However, I've had some fun using KisMAC (http://trac.kismac-ng.org/) It is a rather powerful utility, but you can just use it to find wireless hotspots that are hidden. This can be useful in certain locations.