Free Internet?

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Gizmo
Gizmo
SA
2865 posts
SA, 2865 posts
16 Nov 2008 8:24am
Just got a new computer, got it home and it comes up with wireless internet is able to be "active".
Obviously 1 of my 5 neighbours has an unsecured wireless set up.
do i make use of it or not? ( im not into large down loads, just emails and seabreeze etc)
Or is it like the fruit tree rule ... if its over the fence its yours?
The neighbours most likely, we havent spoken to for some time as they are over the back of us and dont see them much, not for any other season.
yes/no?...yes/no?...yes/no?...yes/no?...mmmmmm

Has anyone used or does use the net at Maca's, HJacks, airports, coffe shops etc are these free or do you need an account with someone?
wormy
wormy
QLD
679 posts
QLD, 679 posts
16 Nov 2008 7:58am
I'd go and tell em whats happening, well thats what I'd like them to tell me is the shoe was on the other foot.
Dawn Patrol
Dawn Patrol
WA
1991 posts
WA, 1991 posts
16 Nov 2008 10:44am
I would go ask them about it. If you just get emails etc they might not even care.
It's just that a friend of my mum's had her neighbours use it. $2000ish in excess downloads.
poor relative
poor relative
WA
9106 posts
WA, 9106 posts
16 Nov 2008 2:01pm
wormy said...

I'd go and tell em whats happening, well thats what I'd like them to tell me is the shoe was on the other foot.


Squid Lips
Squid Lips
WA
708 posts
WA, 708 posts
16 Nov 2008 2:03pm
1 vote for the fruit tree rule!

You have to deliberately select not to secure your network and it is so simple to do. If people are throwing something away that you can use, it's not really stealing is it?
felixk
felixk
QLD
312 posts
QLD, 312 posts
16 Nov 2008 9:56pm
By the looks of it you've already made use of it
nebbian
nebbian
WA
6277 posts
WA, 6277 posts
16 Nov 2008 9:08pm
Use it while your broadband is getting set up...

I have done similar things on many occasions (I move house very often) and every time I connect you can hear me uttering a heartfelt blessing to the kind person who left their wireless network open.

I wouldn't use it permanently, you just don't know when they will either turn it off or secure it. Nothing worse than getting home and suddenly your net access is denied, with nothing you can do about it
kitecrazzzy
kitecrazzzy
WA
2184 posts
WA, 2184 posts
16 Nov 2008 11:25pm
some people leave their networks open so that people on say an ipod can quickly check if they have any new emails or can look at google maps to find their way somewhere (I have done it on many occasions). To abuse their generosity is kind of a karma will get you one day deal, it is also illegal and should they want to fark you up they can monitor your traffic until they have your bank details, pass words etc. People are not just being stupid and deserving of your abuse for leaving a network unlocked, the pass locks are a simple algorithm to break should someone wish to siphon your usage but the nerds who can do this can get 60 gig for $60 at high enough speed to not warrant the hassle. You might get someone stealing your IP to do some illegal activity though like download kiddy porn.
GypsyDrifter
GypsyDrifter
WA
2371 posts
WA, 2371 posts
16 Nov 2008 11:47pm
Squid Lips said...



You have to deliberately select not to secure your network and it is so simple to do.

This is not true!

Gizmo
Gizmo
SA
2865 posts
SA, 2865 posts
17 Nov 2008 8:59am
felixk said...

By the looks of it you've already made use of it


no....still using the dial up on the PC, works fine.
As i said im not into huge dowloads. (mind you the [employed] kids want faster speed for music / video downloads etc.)
Squid Lips
Squid Lips
WA
708 posts
WA, 708 posts
17 Nov 2008 8:39am
GypsyDrifter said...

Squid Lips said...



You have to deliberately select not to secure your network and it is so simple to do.

This is not true!




I'm just going from my own experience setting up networks in the places I've lived in the last few years. On three different wireless routers I have set up, in the installation wizard one of the pages in the regular sequence is setting up either WEP or WPA and you have to choose to skip that step. I think it's really silly not to do, it's as easy as entering a password.
GreenPat
GreenPat
QLD
4105 posts
QLD, 4105 posts
17 Nov 2008 10:21am
Still, I agree with GypsyDrifter, I've set up routers that do not have it as a default step in the setup wizard. I've had to look it up in the manual and set it up as an extra step later on.
GlenMorangie
GlenMorangie
WA
88 posts
WA, 88 posts
19 Nov 2008 1:49am
They have the option of entering a password or applying filters, it is very easy. If they choose not to secure their broadcast, then it is exactly that, a broadcast - Free internet.
windsurfer44
windsurfer44
WA
243 posts
WA, 243 posts
20 Nov 2008 12:41am
got my internet bill today... im on the $70 plan...my bill is $250...ouch
firiebob
firiebob
WA
3182 posts
WA, 3182 posts
20 Nov 2008 7:12am
GreenPat said...

Still, I agree with GypsyDrifter, I've set up routers that do not have it as a default step in the setup wizard. I've had to look it up in the manual and set it up as an extra step later on.


Same with me, I'm with a cheap ISP and they emailed me my settings, the same with a couple of mates who I've set up. I wouldn't use someone else's wireless unless I was travelling etc and just checking emails etc or mine was down.

Mine's secured and just as well because between my son and I we chew it up. But I do have a mate who is flat out using 1Gb of a 12Gb plan so doesn't care who might scab some off him. Do as someone else said, ask around, they'll either thank you for pointing it out or say go for it. They also might secure it but give you the password for a few bucks, every one's happy then.
wazzanewbie
wazzanewbie
VIC
38 posts
VIC, 38 posts
20 Nov 2008 11:55pm
I'd let them know. Could think of nothing worse then getting shaped coz someone else is using my quota.

I've set up a number of wireless networks (maybe 20-30 and havent come across one yet that had security setup as a default. they all worked out of the box (read no security) so I wouldnt blame them for leaving it open. Most of my calls are for setting up wireless networks with security so it wouldnt be right to steal from them....(from my ethical point of view anyway)

Also I upgraded my bandwidth just to play online, high pings online suck especially if it was caused by someone else
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