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    open wi-fi signal?

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by krishna, Nov 4, 2005.

  1. krishna

    krishna Notebook Consultant

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    Hi every body,
    I am recieving teh wi fi signal in my home, I have no clue where is it coming form. Is it ok to use this signal or it is not safe?
    Please inform if there is any way to find the source of the signal?
    Thanks in advance for any suggestions
     
    krishna, Nov 4, 2005
    #1
  2. nickspohn

    nickspohn Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    Oh no! Please dont use that as that wireless connection is illegal. You will be stealing that connection if you used it without permission. If you get permission, then its fine but dont use it.
     
    nickspohn, Nov 4, 2005
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  3. Brian

    Brian Working at 486 Speed NBR Reviewer

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    As noted, you can only use it with permission. As to its safety, unless you know the source, I wouldn't use it.
     
    Brian, Nov 5, 2005
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  4. dr_st

    dr_st Notebook Deity

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    Bah... Stealing WiFi is something that is meant to be done. If you are stupid and/or don't care enough - it's your problem.

    I tried to connect through the McDonalds hotspots once, and their WiFi wouldn't work, so I connected through some unknown WiFi source and surfed allright. Security? That's why you have a firewall.
     
    dr_st, Nov 5, 2005
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  5. nickspohn

    nickspohn Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    nickspohn, Nov 5, 2005
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  6. nickspohn

    nickspohn Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    nickspohn, Nov 5, 2005
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  7. dr_st

    dr_st Notebook Deity

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    Both these links have very live discussions on the matter, and you can hardly say that the majority agrees that stealing WiFi is, or should be, illegal. Even when it comes to piracy you'll see more agreement than on this matter.
     
    dr_st, Nov 5, 2005
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  8. nickspohn

    nickspohn Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    Yeah, now i agree more on it is ok, But in some instances its not. You can still get in trouble. So i really wouldnt do it.
     
    nickspohn, Nov 5, 2005
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  9. drumfu

    drumfu super modfu

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    we have already gone down this road. as it stands, piggybacking on an open wifi signal is illegal in some states (with some individuals prosecuted) and, at best, a grey area in others.

    however, the general consensus is that it is illegal.

    and now, to avoid going down this road of "it IS" / "it ISN'T", i'm closing this thread.
     
    drumfu, Nov 6, 2005
    #9