Wireless….?
I’m dial up and I have noticed when I get ready to log on, I get a message that I am in range of a wireless network/connection. Although I have never set anything up or have a "wireless card" on my laptop (I think Id need one?)when I click on the wireless icon..it says Default unsercured wirelss network. The network is configured for open access. Information sent over this network may be visible to others. If you want to connect to this network click connect. What is this all about? Wouldnt I need a "card" to connect or can I connect without one? Is this safe? And wouldn’t I have to have a ISP, so I can still have access to my main email address. Could someone just explain all this a little better..Im a little confused. I mean if I could connect w/out a card…who would I pay for the servcies to? Thanks for all your replies:)
My lap top is a Dell Inspirion 600m and is still relatively new…I purchased it last August. So is wireless quicker? Im sure it has to be vs. Dial up..And if I do try it…will they see any of my personal information?
5 Responses
byrdmanjesse
31 Aug 2010
Ickypoopy
31 Aug 2010
Your laptop probably has an 802.11b/g (wireless) adapter integrated into it. One of your neighbors is running a wireless network, and has failed to secure it. While you can connect to this network, usage without permission from the owner may be considered theft of services.
The wireless is not "faster", They are using it in place of a network using cables. It is slower in terms of the netowkr itself. If you are referring to connecting to the internet, it is as fast as the connection the internet connection those people have – if that network is even connected to the internet.
mistyjoy78
31 Aug 2010
Icky’s answer covered just about everything I was going to say with one exception. He said "While you can connect to this network, usage without permission from the owner may be considered theft of services. " May if the operative word. I do know that there have been attempts to put legislation in place for that type of "theft" but nothing has been passed yet. If people are honestly that worried about someone using their wireless network, they should simply password it. It’s just as easy to throw a password on that as it is to put a password on a Word document or change your password on Yahoo.
Wazza
31 Aug 2010
Yes, you laptop probably came w/ the wireless intergrated, you’re neighbors probably running it and it isn’t protected so I bet you could use it. But your neighbors might not like that. But its not a crime I don’t think.
krish
31 Aug 2010
may be u have a 802.11 b/g wireless & ur nearby has a established a wireless network
Your laptop is pre-configured from the factory with a wireless connectivity built in. It is an awesome feature and allows you to connect to the internet anywhere there is a hotspot.
Now – you can disable this by going to [My Network Places]on your computer and find the wireless network icon. Right click and select disable.
This will then de-activte the network car and you will never see this message again.
But – you can connect to the wireless network if you like. There are currently no laws in place to prevent you from accessing the wireless network that you see. You would get the benifits of broadband connectivity – but at a price.
The price is that ALL of your information is accessable by anyone who would want it (but only if there is actually someone tech-savy enought to want it).
It’s more of what’s morally right than what’s against the law (as there is none here).
It’s really up to you to figure out what you want to do here.