free wifi registration software
merk3
Enthusiast - Level 3

Can anyone tell me what the registration software does? It seems VERY odd (and spammy) to me that i need to install a piece of software to register for something. If i wasn't downloading this from verizon.com i would be 100% sure this was a scam. as it is I'm guessing this is going to set up ads or something on my PC if i install it.

The other odd thing is i checked two different locations in the middle of LA for any hotspots and it couldn't find any. Is there wifi hotspot locator not working or do they just have poor coverage? I even search for just los angeles, ca and it came up with nothing

Tags (1)
0 Likes
Re: free wifi registration software
JOSEm441
Specialist - Level 2

There is a very good explanation here: http://forums.verizon.com/t5/General-Residential-Products-and/Verizon-Registration-Software/m-p/2956... See the first post and click go to solution

0 Likes
Re: free wifi registration software
merk3
Enthusiast - Level 3

So what does that software do then? Sounds like i need to run that software to connect to their wifi - why? What is it doing that i can't connect to their wifi using the default wireless tools in windows?

And do you know if their hotspot locator is broken? or do they really not have any hotspots in all of Los Angeles?

thanks

0 Likes
Re: free wifi registration software
JOSEm441
Specialist - Level 2

IF you are up and running at home I do not see why you need any VZ software. I only have FIOS internet and NO VZ software, but if you have FIOS TV it may be different.  Also I do not have a wirless/mobile phone.

0 Likes
Re: free wifi registration software
merk3
Enthusiast - Level 3

Verizon says they offer free wifi hotspots to their customers. But apparently you can only use their wifi hotspots if you install their wifi registration software. 

I don't want to do that if i don't know what the software is doing. And i can't really see a valid reason for needing to install software to connect to their wifi. Plus according to their wifi locator they appare not to have any wifi hotspots in all of los angeles. So either their locator is broken or their wifi hotspot service is very poorly covered. 

In any case I'm not installing the software without some valid reason as to why it needs to be installed in the first place.

Re: free wifi registration software
logan81
Contributor - Level 3
 
0 Likes
... wifi registration software - What It Does
armond_in_nj1
Master - Level 1

@merk wrote:
Can anyone tell me what the registration software does? It seems VERY odd (and spammy [sic] ) to me ...

@merk wrote:

So what does that software do ... [?]


@merk wrote:

...  apparently you can only use their wifi hotspots if you install their wifi registration software ... I don't want to do that if i don't know what the software is doing ...



Here's what it does. 

 

First, it validates your account so that you are permitted to use the network, based on your FiOS Internet subscription.  Next, it allows you to locate Hot Spots based on your location at the time.  For example, you can enter a city name or a zip code, and the software provides nearby Hot Spot locations where you can sign in and get online.

 

IOW, it permits you to go online when you're away from home.  If you find this oppressive and restrictive, then don't bother with the software, and use whatever other means you prefer.  At least stop complaining about the service without an idea of what it does and what it's capable of doing.  I've used it, it works, and frankly it's reasonably good.

 

Also, what in the world do you mean by "spammy"?  Totally unrelated to this issue.

Re: ... wifi registration software - What It Does
merk3
Enthusiast - Level 3

I wasn't aware that asking questions about what a piece of software does that offers no explanation on it's own was considered complaining. 

When you go to download the software, all it says is you need to register for the service. I said that sound spammy - maybe i should have said scammy instead since that is very often a tactic that spammers/scammers use to try and get you to infect your computer with a virus.

It's VERY odd having to install a piece of software to register for an online service. 99.99% of the time you just fill out a form on a web page. If this software were downloading from anywhere other then verizon.com i would have assumed it was a virus. If they offered a better explanation - basically the information you (armond) just provided, it would make it seem more reasonable.

Although it's still kind of odd needing it do it this way since most wifi hotspots that require some sort of authentication will take you to a webpage when you connect to the hotspot and ask you to type in your username and password.

When you combine the rather unusual method of registration with the fact that the hotspot locator tool that's located on the download page appears to be broken, i don't think it's too unreasonable to be a little bit cautious about what this software is doing.

It's a free service so I'm not really complaining. I just think their method of implemting it is a little bit odd and more complicated then it needs to be. For example, time warner provides a similar service. I dont need to download anything. If i am near a TWC hotspot, the first time i connect it loads up a webpage where i enter my login info and that's it, i'm connected. That's a lot simplier. Doesn't require the user to download any potential updates and it means ANYONE with a wifi device can connect to the hotspot, not just people running a pc.

0 Likes
Re: ... wifi registration software - What It Does
armond_in_nj1
Master - Level 1

@merk wrote:
... When you go to download the software, all it says is you need to register for the service ... It's VERY odd having to install a piece of software to register for an online service ...

... It's a free service so I'm not really complaining ...


Is it really all that "unusual"?  If you use one of the most widely available pieces of software, iTunes, I think you will realize that registration is pretty much de riguer.

As for complaining, you really are not required to use the service.

0 Likes
Re: ... wifi registration software - What It Does
merk3
Enthusiast - Level 3

yes, it is unusual. How many times have you registered for some online service where you MUST download and install a piece of software to register for the service? Itunes is not the same since the software itself does something beyond just registering an account.

Remember, the download page for verizon's tool makes no mention of the software doing anything other then registering for the service. The two other functions you mentioned (locating a hotspot and authentication) are something that most other hotspot providers do without needing the user to install anything. So verizon's process is unusual. 

As for not being required to use the service - these forums are for asking questions. I really don't think it's too unusual for someone to want to know what a piece of software is for before installing, especially when that piece of software appears to only do one thing and that one thing is something that's typically done online through a webpage in most other instances.

They provide the hotspot service at no extra charge which is nice. But that doesn't make anything else i've said untrue.