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    How is this possible?

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by Melanie, Jun 30, 2008.

  1. Melanie

    Melanie Notebook Guru

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    Right now I am surfing the net wirelessly,and I haven't even hooked up my router yet. How is this possible? I was just messing around,and clicked on the "Connect to Internet" button,and then I clicked on the wireless choice,and it gave me some options to connect with,and the first one was Home,so I clicked on that,and walla,it said that I was connected to Home,and so I tried Internet Explorer,and here I am! How is this possible? Could I be working off of my neighbors internet? If so they must have a really good router,cause I am upstairs in my house. :confused:
     
  2. kegobeer

    kegobeer 1 hr late but moving fast

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    It's very obvious that you are using something that doesn't belong to you. I'm certain you know that. Set up your own router and get your own wireless network running.
     
  3. A#1

    A#1 Notebook Consultant

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    it's the internet fairies at work again... :rolleyes:
     
  4. Shyster1

    Shyster1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    You've almost certainly managed to connect to someone else's unsecured wireless network. You really should disconnect now and finish setting up your own connection, because free-riding on someone else's network is unethical and, depending on where you live, might be criminal.
     
  5. Wirelessman

    Wirelessman Monkeymod

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    As the other people have said, you are probably hooked up to someone else unsecured network lol.

    Just recently in the news there was a case where a person got fined for connecting in somebody else network, so I suggest you get connected using your router. Also, keep in mind that if you see them, they most probably see you too, so you exposing your computer security, or that they say; "oh, look at this, our neighborg is stealing our internet service, lol".

    Have beautiful day Melanie :)
     
  6. Melanie

    Melanie Notebook Guru

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    I never intended to keep using someone elses internet,I was just surprised that I was able to connect,especially since I connected from "Home",and not from any of the other people listed,and my router wasn't hooked up. I am not connected on my laptop now,and plan on setting up my router today. Thanks for the responses! :)
     
  7. Wirelessman

    Wirelessman Monkeymod

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    Don't worry, this happens to everyone, I have also unintentionally done it in the past lol.

    Don't hesitate to ask question if you have problems setting up your router.
     
  8. nobscot6

    nobscot6 Wise One

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    geez........ paranoid people :p

    hook up your router as soon as you can.....

    you shouldn't use another persons unsecured wifi network

    nobody is going to come knocking at your door for using it, but the main reason I wouldn't is that since it is unsecured, your data is not encrypted or protected. The person could easily capture your keystrokes/passwords for any of the sites you visit.

    I can't believe I survived the weekend party at the lake ;)