free internet access

Our home network is secure but there are a few that aren't in our area. Including one I can get to from inside our house. Great for when our connection goes down.
This particular network was easy to find out who owned it. They had three computers (named Mum, Dad and Kids). I just downloaded their My Pictures folder and looked through the pics. Pictures of the people who live across the road. They have secured it now though.

If you are going to do this don't have your computer name or description as anything identifiable and turn off sharing so they can't easily access or see you.

Unsecured networks are great for travelling too. Much better than paying at a cafe or library.

A friend of mine rents and moves every year and every house he has been in I've been able to access a wireless network.

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Originally Posted by solmanic

Another thing - I occasionally forget to turn wireless off on my PDA phone, so when I'm driving along it just keeps alerting me whenever it picks up another network. And it says whether the network is unsecured or not. It's just too easy to do.

Bottom line, secure your home network and make it invisible.

BTW if you don't make it invisible, at least make the network name anonymous. Don't call it "123 Elm St" or "John E Citizen" - that's just making it too easy for thieves and ID snatchers. They then know which house to go through the rubbish for Eftpos receipts etc.

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When i leave home my ipaq picks up about 10 -15 unsecured networks within 100m of my house, i can sit in bed with my laptop using the neighbors connection

It is great fun!

The real benefit I think, and the reason we use wireless is we have a laptop plus 2 pc's. The two pc's are networked using the same wireless router (like most it is also a 4 port hub) and the laptop links in via the wireless. Printers (1 Colour bubblejet and a mono laser) are set up on the pcs but the laptop can print to these without having to run cables.... also means I can sit in front of the TV and work! (or surf AULRO....)

Have often wondered though if you really wanted to get someone in the poop who has an unsecured network. Couldn't you surf for illegal stuff eg certain porn etc and the police trace would lead back to their router. I wonder how they would go defending themselves..... It wasn't me.... Honest!.... or of course send threatening emails, search bomb making sites, power station grids etc. One way to get rid of a neighbour you don't like!

Their router would record your MAC address, which is unique, and the cops would probably come knocking.

So make sure you wipe the log pages of all devices before you call.:D

Cheers
Simon

NOT that I would do anything like that..... LOL

SO basically the next time you log on at home they could trace the MAC address back to your account

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Originally Posted by cookiesa

NOT that I would do anything like that..... LOL

SO basically the next time you log on at home they could trace the MAC address back to your account

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If the neighbours aren't up to securing their wireless APs then I doubt their up for anything as complicated as reading router logs and stuff.

It's pretty unlikely...

But if the cops wanted to they could get the isp records, and if you'd logged into your email account, or here, or work, while using the neighbour's internet they could come get you.

ISPs keep the download logs forever.

Cheers
Simon

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Originally Posted by cookiesa

It is great fun!

<snip?

Have often wondered though if you really wanted to get someone in the poop who has an unsecured network. Couldn't you surf for illegal stuff eg certain porn etc and the police trace would lead back to their router. I wonder how they would go defending themselves..... It wasn't me.... Honest!.... or of course send threatening emails, search bomb making sites, power station grids etc. One way to get rid of a neighbour you don't like!

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hahaha, yes I think that too. Unfortunately the neighbour I don't like just got rid of his net.

Aren't all McDonald Restaurants wireless "hotspots" ???

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Originally Posted by abaddonxi

[...]MAC address, which is unique[...]

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Weelll it's suppose to be unique, but it's also easy enough to change 'em if you're running the right OS and know what you're doin':angel:

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Originally Posted by Disco300Tdi

Aren't all McDonald Restaurants wireless "hotspots" ???

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Yes.