I have a home laptop that is wifi compatible but havent't researched how to use it that way. I've been using a dialup connection thru AOL (my home use is limited) I just noticed an icon telling me I'm connected to the internet wirelessly, logged out of AOL & sure enough - I'm still on! The connection is weak in the back of the house & very strong in the front. Am I using a neighbor's connection? Is my laptop security compromised?
2006-06-12 13:48:53 · 13 answers · asked by grammargirl 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Internet
Thanks for all the input!! After some additional research I ended up going to www.wififreespot.com & learned that in addition to the libraries, Starbucks, etc a specific section of a town park has free wifi & it is right behind my street so I think that's how I'm accessing. The network info is very generic & doesn't indicate a family or company name. I'm psyched!!
2006-06-13 03:34:15 · update #1
You are.. make sure you have a firewall if you keep at it because you are now on their network!
You might glean some clues as to the source from the name of the wireless network. You can also disable it by going into your network from the settings window.
Either way, time to get off 56k and off the expensive aol!!!
2006-06-12 13:51:25 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋
Yes, you are using your neighbor's connection, and POTENTIALLY your security is compromised, as well as your legal standing! Some states call it a crime to use a neighbor's bandwidth, even if they have done nothing to secure their wireless access point.
As far as your security, you should use something like Microsoft's built in firewall or ZoneLabs's ZoneAlarm to block out incoming requests, and make sure file sharing is turned off on your computer, so that the owner of the access point can't track back into your PC.
2006-06-12 13:54:05 · answer #2 · answered by GWIII 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are connected to another connection, probably a neighbors. It is risky tat if you do not have the proper protection, they can invade your computer or anyone else. I would recommend turning off your WIFI on your laptop unless you intend on using it or after you are finished.
It is risky also because the source may be able to steal personal information from your computer, also if you are not properly protected
2006-06-12 13:53:56 · answer #3 · answered by ekrueger24 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are using a neighbors unsecured connection.
It really isn't illegal, perhaps just a little unethical.
Look at the name of the connection. It may identify the owner.
2006-06-12 13:52:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes..it sounds like you have automatically connected to the wireless access from a nearby neighbor or business......you can right click the icon down by the clock and choose 'disconnect" or "disable"....
2006-06-12 13:52:53 · answer #5 · answered by Bradley L 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Eventually you had the wireless internet on it when you purchased it. As far as risk goes, make sure you have a anti-virus program up and running while you are online. Just keep all your security updates up to date. you should be ok..
2006-06-12 13:53:53 · answer #6 · answered by Hi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're not paying for wireless access, you're stealing it from a neighbor.
Theft is wrong.
And if they know how to check their router, they'll get your IP address and trace you.
Avoid the embarrassment of getting caught, stop stealing access.
2006-06-12 13:52:16 · answer #7 · answered by ratboy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are connecting from my signal...I am helping out a friend up here at the north pole.
2006-06-12 13:52:25 · answer #8 · answered by Oriental Delight 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are on a neighbor's wireless router because your neighbor did not secure his ports.
2006-06-12 13:54:30 · answer #9 · answered by poohu812many 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you are connected to your neighbors it sounds like but... That is illegal and screw his internet up too!
2006-06-12 13:52:00 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋