Internet Cafe Access Abroad

[mark1635]

Hi all,

I have been considering making a long term trip around the coasts of France, Spain, Portugal and the Med - almost liveaboard - and was wondering what other readers experiences are of Internet Cafes. How easy is it to bring data etc from the PC on the boat and download it onto the cafe PC for emailing, and vice versa. In particular can I generally plug a USB memory stick into Internet Cafe PCs? Appreciate any feedback.
Mark

 

[kandoma]

a laptop with WIFI is much better suited. With a little bit of luck, you will find a place with free access. And its fast. I was 7 weeks on the move now and had to pay for Wifi only 3 times 6 € each.

Peter

 

[HenryB]

I often transfer data to and from a memory stick, but the method varies. Some computers give you normal access to the device but many operate security measures which stop you accessing anything other than a temporary private folder - in this case the cafe owner will copy your files to or from the private folder for you. Either way it shouldn't be a problem.

 

[ailsaboat]

Hi Mark,
I do both. Memory stick is quick and convenient - never found an internet cafe where it was a problem. But sometimes if I have work to do, I do prefer to do it on my own laptop. Wifi enabled means I can do it almost anywhere. More and more marinas, normal cafes, pubs etc are offering it, as Kandoma said, sometimes free.

 

[thalassa]

Most internet cafés accept memory sticks, but the newer ones haven't got floppy slots anymore. Working from your own laptop has definite advantages. France etc. have different keyboard layouts, slowing down input. As for WIFI in marinas, invest in a high-power (100 mW) USB adapter, if only to avoid frustration.