Question about wireless internet

[RazorAzoth]

I have wireless internet on my computer but I never used it. I was wondering about something though. In the list of wireless networks in your area, there's some that are security-enabled networks and some that are unsecure. The security-enabled ones require a password to log on to the network, but the unsecure ones do not. My relative in my neighborhood has hers unsecure, is that illegal for me to go onto to her network and cancel my ISP?

 

[Darth]

Not a great idea, because if you do any downloading or you're on it a lot your neighbor will eventually figure out what's going on and password protect her service.

 

[speakeasy]

I don't think it's illegal. But if you rely on your service, just buy your own, because you never can tell when the other person's service is going to be down. I think it's insane to leave your wireless unsecured. If someone was downloading kiddy porn in your area using your connection, the FBI is going to come busting YOUR door down since it will be traced to your IP. I wouldn't even use wireless unless it was secure for that very reason.

 

[Levex]

As long as you're not sitting outside of your neighbor's house with a laptop and trying to catch their wireless signal, there's nothing specifically illegal about it. Probably not a very nice thing to do, but you won't get in any trouble.

I did that for a while, but then it became too much of a pain to catch the signal, deal with slow speeds and disconnects, not being able to get on half of the time.

I said fvck it and now am spending that bloody $45 a month for broadband, worth every dollar.

Unless your neighbor's router is less than 25 feet away and thru no more than one wooden wall, don't bother with it.

 

[It's-Me]

I doubt it's illegal. Even if you do something illegal with it, they'll trace the IP back to her house . Unless she saves logs on her router about who connected it to, your fine...

 

[bigjohnson]

First the legality is sort of a gray area. Second, if it's a relative just get permission, then it's 100% a-ok. Finally, I would have them secure it and share the password with you.

 

[Alle_Gory]

No. You can always play stupid if it were.

Also, what happens if she wises up and password protects it?

You're out of internet.

 

[bigjohnson]

Dude, 1st it's a relative so unless it's a pretty screwed up family it should be fine, and show me where it's been legally tested and approved in SCOTUS.