OT Computer Question

[KCTractors]

A neighbor"s friend from out of town came for a visit, had his laptop with him. He told me somebody has wireless Internet in the neighborhood because he was able to pick it up. He told me that if I get a WiFi Card for my desktop, that I could pick it up to. Couple of questions: #1 Is that legal? #2 Is the WiFi card right? #3 If I would put a WiFi Card in my desktop and would not get the signal, can I still use my dial-up connection with-out uninstalling the WiFi Card? I am using Windows XP. Thanks

 

[Howard H.]

Yep - there are getting to be fewer places in towns where you won't pick up a wireless signal of some sort.

#1 - not legal in most places. But it's enforced less strictly than jaywalking. Most of the time, no one even knows except the person doing it. Ethical?? Let your conscience be your guide...

#2 - Not a PCMCIA card per se, like in a laptop, but yes, you can get either PCI card or USB plug-in adapters that would give you wireless access. USB deveice (depending on type) could give you a longer antennae which is handy for moving around for better signal.

#3 - Yep. XP would handle your wireless card separately from your existing modem. You'd still have to initiate the dial-up and switch between the two for connection.

Keep in mind - if you are using someone else's wireless signal, you don't know what THEY are doing with it. Technically, they could be capturing every packet you transmit/receive and looking at everything you do...

Plus, a lot of people are getting smarter about locking down their wireless, so it might "shut off" at any time...


Howard

 

[Gene Davis (Ga.)]

Yes, it can be true if someone is using an unsecured wireless router setup. You and everybody else that has a wireless reciever card. The newer routers can be coded for security. The router default settings are easily deciphered because the manufacturer sets them at a low level because they know most folks don"t want to be bothered with setting up the security system properly.

 

[paul]

Many folks shjare an internet connection in this way - split the bill.

If the neighbor is not encoding his signal in anyu way, it's pretty hard for anything to be enforced. Legal & the internet is kinda a joke.... Ethical would be the question.

They should be able to see a light blink when ever their wireless isbeing used - by them or by you. As well things will slow down if more than one person is using it. So if you become an addict, they likely will notice.

It all works pretty easily, easiest is a little USB dongle that looks like one of those thumb drives. Won't interfere with your modem at all. Called wifi or wireless or 802.11g networking. All the same thing - a few new ones are going to the N standard - but don't bother worrying about that. You want the 'G' version.

You need Windows XP Second service pack to really make wireless work well most times. (Likely what you are already upgraded to.)

--->Paul

 

[David, Surrey UK]

#1 -- Stealing bandwidth is just like any other form of pilfering IMO, but follow your own conscience. It's probably a lesser crime than stealing paperclips and ballpoints from work.

David.

 

[KCTractors]

I'll stay with the slooooow dial-up. I just don't want to step on anybody's toes!