Page 1 of Wireless card accesses "other network"?

When i got my new laptop the other day, it said "The wireless card has detected "two"
networks, yet they arent mine as i have no router installed!.

Now i have broadband installed at home but does this mean that should i wanna use my laptop "wirelessly", i could use one the networks its found, or do i need to get my own "wireless router"? (I think it may be my next door neighbour who has this router installed etc!)

Secondly, if i did do this, can this do me any harm, i.e am i more susceptable to getting viruses via this "wireless technology"? or is it just the same as using it via a connection to the laptop?

Thirdly, i know i gain nothin by accessing this as i pay my broadband anyway, but does mean i DONT have to buy a wireless router myself should i wanna use my machine wirelessly? (Cheeky, i know, but im desperate to give it a go, just to see that it works !!!)

Thanks in advance guys!

This item was edited on Sunday, 5th March 2006, 12:40

To access a neighbour`s network is illegal (even if you have boradband yourself) but also on the flip side, if you connect to their network they can access your computer.

As legal issues are involved and this is a public forum I can`t give out any information on security and advise not to access the neighbours network. I`m sure there are others here who will be able to help you.

awwwwwwww go on ?

Sam J

as Mike pointed out, using someone elses wireless network without their consent
or knowledge is deceitful.
however, if people are still ignorant enough to think that "plug n` play" wireless
networks are secure and no-one else can access them then, if they choose to
ignore security measure which can be easily instigated, then if they get leeched...

tough s***.

if you`re feeling charitable you could ask a few of your neighbours if they have wireless
networks and advise them that they may be offering "free" broadband unwittingly.

it could be that they are "broadcasting" their network name only and might have
security measures (MAC filtering / WEP or WPA / IP Reservation) already in place
which will prevent you from accessing their network even though you can see it.


Ste.

........is that gasoline i smell?

thanks guys, and Ste, can you just tell me, does this actually work ? On another matter, i am going to buy one of these routers cos my machine has an inbuilt card in it. Do i need a specific one and are some better than others?

As you are going to buy a router and not use your neighbours` networks you can enable security settings by setting or WEP or WPA encryption on the router to make it difficult for anyone to gain access to your computer.

Sam

which router you get will depend upon what broadband "type" you currently use.

if it`s BT / Tiscali / Virgin / Wannado / PlusNet (i.e. using your BT line) then you will
need a combined ADSL / Modem Wireless router. this is assuming your current
modem does not have an ethernet (RJ45) connection already and is currently
connected via USB.

have a look at these

if you use NTL / Telewest (i.e. co-axial cable based or set-top box) then you will need
to get a regular Wireless Router such as one of these.

as for brands? choose from Netgear / Linksys / D-Link / US Robotics etc.

Ste.

........is that gasoline i smell?

Thanks again Ste, i do have NTL with an ethernet cable so i gather the 3COM OFFICECONNECT is the one for me ?

Sam

the 3 Comm router will be fine.

however, if you`re a relative "novice" at setting up wireless networks, have
a look at the netgear stuff. there`s a wireless 802.11g (54Mbps) one at the
bottom of the page that i linked. the netgear routers have a very easy
"wizzard" based set-up which is pretty much foolproof.

the netgear router also has the added SPI firewall facility which when used
in conjunction with another "software" firewall will give added protection from
would-be hackers.

hth

Ste.

........is that gasoline i smell?

Thanks Ste, youve been very helpful, the netgear one WILL be the one for me(is it the Netgear WGT624 ? or the Netgear WGR614 ?) as i am a novice and dont need anything special, just as long as i can use it in the front room, it will be fine and the firewall is an added bonus. Thanks again mate!

This item was edited on Sunday, 5th March 2006, 17:56