Using WiFi Spots, including Verizon, with Windows 8

[mally38]

I just acquired new laptop with Windows 8 which I use for travelling. Verizon, with which I have an account, offers free wifi at its hot spots with my account. However, I can't download the app? that would allow this to happen because it is only made for Windows 7, XP, etc. Also, I recently tried to plug in to an airport wifi and the same thing happened--it called for any os except Windows 8. Is there a driver or something I can get so that I can use wifi spots?

 

[Gweezel]

You have me confused. Verizon (nor any Wi-Fi) does not require anything but what is already supported in Windows. 802.11 is a standard that is supported by all operating systems that support Wi-Fi. I also have Verizon and Windows 8. I use it daily and have never installed any additional software.

 

[mally38]

Yes, I use Verizon daily also on desktop & laptop at home. However, what I'm talking about is the nationwilde wifi access (some 5000 hotspots according to Verizon) at airports, etc. When you go to download to be able to do this, it informs you it only works on Windows 7, etc. I have talked to Verizon and they say they can't accommodate Windows 8 and that they are working on it. But that has been months ago. The other incident I was talking about was just recently--at a hotel which said AT&T airport wifi was available (as opposed to paying for it at website), but again it was only offered to the earlier o.s.--not win 8. Best Buy saesman told be there might be a free driver/download available on Windows website, but I haven't been able to find that.

 

[bassfisher6522]

You have me confused. Verizon (nor any Wi-Fi) does not require anything but what is already supported in Windows. 802.11 is a standard that is supported by all operating systems that support Wi-Fi. I also have Verizon and Windows 8. I use it daily and have never installed any additional software.

This is what he's talking about.....
Wireless Internet Service - Wifi Service | Verizon

Not sure what is required to have/install/use this......

 

[mally38]

Yes, that's what I'm talking about. There is then an opportunity to download "connect" on the computer you want to use. When I do this I get the following:

Troubleshooting: Operating System Not Supported
We're sorry, but we detected you are using an unsupported operating system.
Verizon Wi-Fi currently supports:
Windows XP (32-bit only), Vista and Windows 7
Please upgrade your operating system before proceeding with the installation or use an alternate computer that meets the minimum system requirements.