[OT] prepaid internet access in toronto: options ?

[Giles Orr]

2009/5/11 James Knott <james.knott-bJEeYj9oJeDQT0dZR+AlfA at public.gmane.org>:
> D. Hugh Redelmeier wrote:
>> On Mon, 11 May 2009, Tyler Aviss wrote:
>>
>> | From: Tyler Aviss <tjaviss-Re5JQEeQqe8AvxtiuMwx3w at public.gmane.org>
>> |
>> | On Mon, May 11, 2009 at 10:43 AM, S P Arif Sahari Wibowo
>> | <arifsaha-/E1597aS9LQAvxtiuMwx3w at public.gmane.org> wrote:
>> | > On Mon, 11 May 2009, Peter wrote:
>> | >>
>> | >> Getting a contract is not an option, I am temporarily here.
>> | >
>> | > How temporary? What kind of Internet access are you looking?
>>
>> He didn't say it, but I think that he means 802.11g hot-spot service
>> since that is what Starbucks offers.
>>
>> I hear that some Toronto Public Libraries offer this service.  You'd
>> need a library card, I imagine.
>>   http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/spe_ser_wir.jsp
>>
> As does Mississauga, but a library card is required.
>> They also provide wired computers but I presume that you can only run
>> their programs (which include a web browser).
>>
> Not quite.  I found the PortableApps version of OpenOffice ran fine on
> the library computer.  You can find many apps that can be run from a pen
> drive at portableapps.com.

I'm guessing you mean Mississauga, because my experience with TPL
public computers is that they're locked down so you can't run any
applications from removable media - and you can't run downloads
either.

They do however offer free wifi - branch list here:
http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/spe_ser_wir.jsp .  You have to
agree to their terms of service, but you don't need a library card.
All branches have public computers, although they are sometimes in
heavy demand, mid-afternoon to early evening tends to be worst.  Some
libraries have "express" computers that are available without a
library card, but the majority of these ones log you out after 15
minutes (ie. not meant for long-term use).  The public computers also
tend to max out at one hour use (unless the library has lots of
computers and few patrons).

I'm staff at TPL, but this is not written in any official capacity!

-- 
Giles
http://www.gilesorr.com/
gilesorr-Re5JQEeQqe8AvxtiuMwx3w at public.gmane.org
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