I Love McDonald’s
There are many things that I love about McDonald’s. For one dollar, you can get a great low fat ice-cream cone, which hits the spot. They always give me free ice to fill up Jill’s cup. Their new healthy menu is actually quite good. I enjoy their salads, also for around a dollar, as well as their yogurt cup with nuts and apples. Their cheeseburger and fries are comfort food, and probably always will be, as I have been eating them all of my life. It is great that so many restaurants are open 24 hours a day; I am often driving late into the night.
However, none of the above matches my enthusiasm for their free internet access. Regardless of the size of town or city, I seem to be able to count on McDonald’s for free Wi-Fi, which is relatively fast, considering the large size of documents which I send.
How secure is this or any other internet connection outside of your network? My lap top is equipped with VPN Client, which through IBM provides me with a secure connection regardless of where I am at. However, Jill’s computer does not have a VPN Client, yet she is still able to connect at McDonald’s and work. Would I pay my bills through this connection, access my banking information, or deal with other extremely sensitive information, no. Free Wi-Fi, regardless of where you connect is meant to offer customers a convenience when away from home; but I would most certainly check email, read the news, or log in to social networking sites.
I would caution you to make certain that your passwords for social networking sites are not the same as the ones you use to access personal identifying information.
The familiar is certainly one way we all stay connected, and for most Americans I would argue that the Golden Arches are as familiar Sunday suppers with family and friends. There is something very comforting about driving down the highway, in the middle of nowhere, and suddenly seeing that McDonald sign, which not only means a good, affordable meal and a restroom break; but now a way to connect to the entire world.
It is great to have so many options when trying to stay Connected.
