Here is an amazing freeware application that, sadly, is overlooked. I use it all the time and think others should know about-specially if their on the road a lot. Its called coconutWIFI 2.0.
Here is the info off their page:
coconutWiFi displays you a small aqua-bubble at the top of your screen which indicates whether you’re in range of a wireless network or not.
The app also tells you if the wireless networks in your range are encrypted or open, so you won’t miss the next open wireless network any more.
New in the completely rewritten version 2: More information about the network (bssid, channel)
Known limitation in version 2: Currently a click on a network doesn’t connects you with this network. I’m working on this issue.
The indicator-bubble has 3 active-states:
No networks available
Only encrypted networks available
At least one network in range is unencrypted and open
You will also see a number behind the indicator – this is the number of wireless networks that are currently in your range.
It really is a great application. GO DOWNLOAD IT!
