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    Mysterious network

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by Clare, Nov 11, 2005.

  1. Clare

    Clare Notebook Consultant

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    I'm setting up my new acer
    http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.aspx?edc=824710

    but because of an error with UPS, the router hasn't yet come (I'm leaving a cable-connected desktop up and will run wireless from there)

    However, much to my surprise the computer has detected a wireless network. Says it's linksys and insecure (gee, me too..)

    I live in the center of a fairly small university town but still a good three miles from the University and wi-fi places. I'm guessing some neighbor is running a home network? In any case, is it safe and ethical to use that network? Last thing I want to do is open my new computer up to hackers...
     
    Clare, Nov 11, 2005
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  2. Brian

    Brian Working at 486 Speed NBR Reviewer

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    You're about to open a giant can of worms. The legal answer is that you are not allowed to use that network unless you have permission, which you do not. It's up to you whether or not that bothers you. There are security concerns as well, it could be a trap to get unsuspecting people to connect. Anyway, there are several older threads on this topic if you want more background. If this turns into another fight, the thread will be closed.
     
    Brian, Nov 11, 2005
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  3. Clare

    Clare Notebook Consultant

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    I went back about six pages, but figured that running a search on "network" would be pointless..Although I'll be interested to read the threads, I have no intention of using a network if I either ethically, morally or legally should not. We are not entitled to everything just because it's there. What I may do is run a search for public wireless spots in this town and see if any of them might be near enough, but since it's a Linksys, I'm guessing it's somebody's home network.

    And, of course, I have read of scams even in legitmitate wi-fi places that try to get unsuspecting folks to log onto a scam network and then do damage.
     
    Clare, Nov 11, 2005
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  4. nickspohn

    nickspohn Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    Yes, usually these threads do turn into fights over how its illegal or not.

    Im with Brian on this too.
     
    nickspohn, Nov 11, 2005
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  5. nickspohn

    nickspohn Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    nickspohn, Nov 11, 2005
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