wireless networks

That is what Garyl Tan Jia Luo did

Ah well, maybe I won't then. At least not where there's a law against it

I have around 7 networks around here the iBook is quite good as it has a plastic case so the wireless card extends far. We did not have broadband for a week, was no bother for me.

quote:

Originally posted by garyi:
We did not have broadband for a week, was no bother for me.

But software piracy is not ok?

Deanne if you do not have even one single copied CD, MP3 or Tape in your music collection, then you rate amongst the rarest people in the developed world.

quote:

Originally posted by garyi:
I have around 7 networks around here the iBook is quite good as it has a plastic case so the wireless card extends far. We did not have broadband for a week, was no bother for me.

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garyi

There has been a lot of pontificating on this forum about people running copies of software in breach of copyright. Using somebody else's internet account without their knowledge or consent seems a lot worse to me.

A fully functional copy of Photoshop CS2 is $1700 over here. I wonder how many people on this forum run legit copies of Photoshop?

Deane

And for the record, not all of my software is legit. But I pay full price for legit versions of all my games.

Its not worthy of arguing because I am not a bastard. When we moved in the internet went off for five days. But I had to send some emails so used an available network in the area. These people should be aware that those with darker intentions have plenty of cover round here.

I knew that one networks was next doors (they actually call the network their full name , and my wife knows him well so we told him about it and he has now secured his network.

We live in one little area, it is scary to think what clever people could be doing with those that are too stupid to read the instruction manual that came with their modem.

I would consider sending the occasional email via next doors bandwidth naughty but not terrible, not exactly a capital crime. Now if I never bothered getting my own broadband then that would be blatant and bad.

incidentally it might be an idea for those that may not be aware:

Log onto your router, for ethernet connected ones (Looks a bit like a phone connector to your computer) you do this from your web browser.

You will already have wireless going, around this area of your router pages will be security settings. You want to set WPA Security. You need to assign a password. Make it long and complicated. I write mine down then input it. You need to have it written down as your computers will need it next.

Once set your computers will not be able to connect to the web. For macs goto the airport icon top right and select your network again. It will ask for a password. Type it in and click to save it in the keychain.

For PCs, I think you access this from the bottom right looks like a little antenna or in the control panel. There is a wizard that detects your home network and again input the password.

Remember this only has to be done once for your connected 'puters but it will keep every one else out. Keep your password written down in a drawer.

Also in your router should be the ability to set a password for getting onto the router, its usually admin. Get this changed as well.

You can also stop broadcasting SIDD once your devices are on. this stops any other computers seeing your network at all, but I found this flakey.

Just have a nice long WPA password, input them on your computer when prompted and sleep easy knowing the shits from next door arn't taking your bandwidth.

Bare in mind as well if you have sharing on and for instance I log onto your router then reasonably I can be into your 'my documents' folder with the simply click of a mouse. Security is easy to set.

If you do not have a wireless modem or are not using wireless just make sure its not on, and this lot becomes moot anyhow.

I have never secured my wireless router as I was so pleased that it actually worked, I didn't want to cock it up. Several friends have had problems after trying to set security. However, I see that my laptop can detect at least two other (secured) networks at home, so I guess they could well be accessing mine. I guess I'll have to have a go.

Its up to you at the end of the day. Basically your friends must have ran into issues at the computer stage, people get confused when the computer starts asking for passwords, but thats what you will specify. Both macs and PCs will save the password so it only needs to be done once.

Basically those two other networks in your area can see yours and access your no bover.

Yes it can get messy, most router support/instructions aren't clear but if in doubt most have helplines and they'll talk you through it (albeit in a slightly bizarre quasi US/Indian Subcontinent accent).

Funny what you say about the network names, most around me have their house numbers included! Talk about making things easy. Bet they remember when you could juct leave your front doors open and the car keys on the side table in the hall...

The Apple Store in the Bull Ring was a revelation. Trying the various Macs revealed lots of wireless networks, I'm sure anyone sad enough could probably turn up to the Bull Ring sit down and surf the web all day at someone else's expense.

Have to say at home I leave my access point open. It's partly a conscious decision as we're not in a built-up area, and partly because despite being an "IT Professional" I just can't be arsed with the hassle of setting it up for how much peace of mind it would actually give me.