2006-11-27 13:10:51 · 7 answers · asked by pulchritudinous 6 in Computers & Internet ➔ Computer Networking
Safe? Yes. Is it ethical? Probably not but I think the rule of thumb is jump on and do what you have to do quickly and get off. You are in essence borrowing (stealing) thier bandwidth and it is more polite that if you HAVE to use it just be brief so it does not interfere with what they want to do with the bandwidth they paid for. Not that I am on the moral high road. I do it from time to time but I just get on check e-mail an get off. i don't surf for too long.
2006-11-27 13:14:23 · answer #1 · answered by Magnus01 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most likely these wireless networks you are picking up belong to other people, and it is not O.K. to use them, even if they are unsecured. Technically, this is considered stealing, because you are getting an internet service from a provider and not paying for it. Your best bet is to pay for your own service, and if you do get wireless, make sure you secure it with a password.
2006-11-27 21:16:14 · answer #2 · answered by Thee MC 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If its open network anyone in building will be able to sniff all your traffic (including usernames, passwords, context of e-mails and IMs etc etc) – solution: VPN client:
http://www.iopus.com/ipig/
Auditions 10-19 on page bellow provide simple term in depth explanation of wireless security and VPN:
http://www.grc.com/SecurityNow.htm
Beside problem of sniffing you could also be hacked. Preventing would me more of the science than any simple step instruction anyway try killing unnecessary services and open ports, disable sharing etc etc – helpful tool:
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html
2006-11-27 21:21:38 · answer #3 · answered by Lisa M 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would probably be best to know about the network that you are joining before you do it. It could possibly lead to someone placing a virus or unwanted files on your computer.
2006-11-27 21:13:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
not really that safe to join whatever is out there; if you can see them, they can see you. we can do the same thing but don't. i'd say either officially join a wireless service or get dial up or cable.
2006-11-27 21:20:31 · answer #5 · answered by KJC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with most of these answers, yes it is okay...You are getting free internet haha! but you can be at risk with viruses and things. Now if you use Linux there is a less of a chance.
2006-11-27 21:23:55 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Just as safe as having your own--if your firewall, antivirus and antispam programs are running properly!
2006-11-27 21:15:02 · answer #7 · answered by John H 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋