Where-To | How-To | What-To | CONTENTS
Where-To
It is now possible to connect to the Matrix from all member nations of the U.N. as well as
most, if not all, other countries. There are a number of different strategies the author
employs to get connected while traveling internationally. There is the FidoNet NodeList
for locating free local dialup BBSs worldwide, both to contact before leaving and to
access while abroad. It is available from local BBSs and by FTP from <ftp://ftp.fidonet.org/nodelist/>. UUCP mail
maps are available from the Usenet newsgroup <comp.mail.maps>,
good for locating larger networked systems abroad. Then there is the Internet domain
registration service WAIS at <telnet://rs.internic.net>,
which will direct you to Internet sites around the world. FAQs for a given destination
often list local connectivity options; otherwise, simply asking in relevant newsgroups and
mailing lists works too.
Beyond this, the major multinational packet networks, such as Infonet, Sprintnet, Tymnet,
etc., operate nodes worldwide and provide directory services for accessing other systems
through them. National contacts for many, if not most, public data networks operated by
PTTs (Post, Telegraph & Telephone), government owned telephone companies, with
international connections may be easily found on CompuServe (go phones).
And, there is almost always long distance direct dial -- you should be prepared for manual
dialing as well as pulse dialing. You will also need an error correcting modem, such as
MNP or V.32bis. A modem that you can hear, rather than one you can't, will be necessary
for trouble-shooting connection problems.
International E-mail accessibility
- World Map Detailed connectivity info for every country.
International
Internet Access Providers Meta-List This page contains pointers to lists of Internet
access providers that will help you find providers for several different countries.
The List | Search | Country Code
Local Internet service providers around the world.
How-To
It is not necessary to buy different telephone adapter plugs for each country, though they
are increasingly available. Acoustic couplers are also not usually necessary. All you will
need, in addition to your portable computer with modem and software, are the standard RJ11
cable, an RJ11 coupler, an RJ11-to-alligator clips (only the two middle wires, red and
green), a simple inexpensive Duofone line tester from Radio Shack (red light/green light),
and a small screw driver or pocket knife.
On the author's solo bicycle journey from Serbia to Estonia in 1990, he never needed
telephone plug adapters. He opened the telephone wall box or socket face and fished around
with the alligator clips until he got the green light. Then he unplugged the line tester
from the coupler and plugged in the RJ11 cord without removing the clips from the
telephone wires.
Friends generally let him use their private lines, often just for the entertainment of
watching. The only time he needed plugs was for power. He never used power plug adapters;
since his notebook AC/DC adapter was universal for use with both 110 and 220 volts, he cut
the US plug off and attached inexpensive ones bought locally.
When traveling in the US, Chambers of Commerce are often helpful -- if you have a phone
card and/or an 800 number for network access. You can usually plug into the back of fax
machines in hotels or other locations and print to fax from a fax modem or through an
online service.
It will also be useful to print a list of your hardware, software, and online service
voice support numbers, as well as potential local access numbers and contacts, together
with your online service IDs and passwords. There is every likelihood that you may not
remember them when you need them most while traveling. Of course, you may wish to keep
passwords on a separate list.
Computing while On The Road Roadnews
resources for the computer-equipped international traveler.
What-To
Konexx and Road Warrior International supply acoustic couplers, and other accessories.
Teleadapt provides many telephone plug adapters in addition to acoustic couplers, books
and accessories. All are helpful and will try to answer any questions you might have.
KONEXX
http://www.konexx.com/
Road Warrior International
http://warrior.com/
TeleAdapt
http://www.teleadapt.com/ |
