Help with wireless connection

[AnneGuida]

Hi,

When I used my Sony VAIO FS series laptop for the first time in my new apartment, I didn't think I had internet access.

Lo and behold, the wireless card in my notebook detected three wireless networks in its range and I've got internet access!

Checking the network properties, I noticed there are three wireless networks: two unsecured and one secured.

Do you think it's safe for me to continue "borrowing" the wireless signal or should opt instead to get a secure connection via Comcast Broadband?

I'm not entirely sure I know what I'm doing, but it's great to have internet access this way!

Thanks for your input!:)

[cdroman]

If you are going to continue "sharing", make sure you have file and printer sharing disabled.

[bubbalou32]

If this is a "private" connection then it would not be ethical to continue using it. If you're in an urban setting, it is possible you are using a wi-fi connection provided for free by a local coffee shop, bookstore, etc.

I still find it amazing that wireless routers are so common yet most people don't secure them. I say a survey showing that 71% of wireless routers are left at their default settings. From connections made, it was determined that the majority of routers were made by Linksys (the most common router), tuned to channel 6(default) and no WEP or WPA security enabled (password protection, encryption). I guess that these are the same people that feel you can cruise the internet with no antivirus or firewall.

[AnneGuida]

Thanks for the advice, guys.

I can't tell if the wireless connection is from a user next door or down the hall.
The two unsecured connections are unnamed. Only the third one is named and is secured.

Maybe the signal is coming from a Starbuck's a few streets over.

Yeah, I see about the unethical thing. But how can I really know where it's transmitting from?

What is the likelihood of being hacked, even if I have AV, firewall, and disabled file/print sharing?

What concerns me most is when I send something over the internet...the pop-up says: "the information you sent is to be sent over an unencrypted connection...and can be view by a third party."

Thanks again!

[intimidator]

How strong is the signal? If it is strong it's next door or down the hall. I doubt it's a few streets away as it would be almost unusable (if you could even detect it let alone connect).

The likelihood of being hacked with a software firewall is probably slim.....but it could definitely happen.

The connection isn't encrypted by WEP or WPA so don't do your online banking!

And why am I even telling you this since you are a leach! I hope somebody drops subseven on your PC & formats your hard drive.


http://www.fancysplace.com/smileys/hehe.gif

[kwebb]

Apparantly you don't see the ethical dilemma. Either that or you choose to ignore it. Stupidity or just weak character. Six in one hand, half a dozen in the other I guess.

[tantone]

I'd rather see someone crash the computers inside that wireless network.

It's like driving without insurance: the only real lesson will be when someone totals your car.

Is it ethical to take advantage of the stupid in a very benign way liek this? No. But should you feel guilty about it? Well, no.

Ethics are very subjective. Ask one person if abortion is ethical they might say "no!" Ask someone else, they'd say "yes!"

Borrowing an unsecured wireless signal is surely not on par with abortion.

:t

[AnneGuida]

Gee, you guys are a pretty tough bunch! Just a novice, so go easy on me.
I see the ethical dilemma, and my conscience is twinged.

I was just hoping it would be a way to avoid having to pay for Comcast's service (which really isn't a bargain at all).

I guess I'll go ahead and pay the $100 a month for internet service (and get a secure line, I hope).

What do I do if my laptop continues to pick up the signal once I have my broadband connection? How do I disable the wireless option? I'd like to online bank safely and not lose all my dough!



:)

[tantone]

You can just disable the wireless NIC if you're not using it. That's probably the easiest way.

If you plan to get a wireless router as well, make sure you secure it properly and then remove all other access points--leaving only yours--in your preferred networks list.