Wireless Internet

**CyGuy33** · 06-25-2008, 12:41 PM

I just moved into a new apt. and haven't had the internet access set up. My neighbors have wireless internet and it's good a pretty good signal.

What do you think about using their internet until I get something set up?

What are the issues that my surfing could cause them?

Don't want to upset the neighbors right off the bat.

**HILLCYD** · 06-25-2008, 12:43 PM

Doesn't cause any issues for you I guess. My opinion on this deal is that if someone is dumb enough not to secure their connection they are fair game.

IF they however see you on there they may not be happy with you.

**Clonehomer** · 06-25-2008, 12:45 PM

If they aren't smart enough to block their service in an apartment complex that's their problem. Also, if they can't figure out how to block their service I doubt they will be able to figure out if someone is using their service. I wouldn't be downloading a bunch of stuff to make it slow down but to check email their service shouldn't be affected.

**cycloneace55** · 06-25-2008, 12:45 PM

You can approach this two ways.

1. Let them know that you can access thier wireless signal and offer to split/or contribute to the cost.

2. Use it until you are caught or they enable some security features that block you access.

I have used both methods with success in the past.

**jdoggivjc** · 06-25-2008, 12:46 PM

I guess it depends on how you feel about moral and ethical dilemmas. For instance, if you saw a $20 laying in front of your neighbor's door, would you pocket it, or would you knock on their door and ask if it belongs to them?

**pulse** · 06-25-2008, 12:50 PM

As long as you're not hogging up all their wireless bandwidth downloading movies or something there aren't any issues.

**superdorf** · 06-25-2008, 12:57 PM

I would approach them and say,
"I noticed that your Internet connection isn't secured. I can help you secure it if you would like."
and then,
"Can I use your connection until my own Internet service is activated?"

**CyinCo** · 06-25-2008, 01:00 PM

When I first moved into my house, I used a neighbors signal without them knowing for the first week or so until I got mine setup. It was really helpful to have an internet connection when scheduling all the things that need to happen with a new house.

I agree with the others that is their resposibility to secure their network and you have intentions on getting your own up and going so I don't see it being a big deal.

**HandSanitizer** · 06-25-2008, 01:03 PM

Or the Neighbor could be testing you and wants you connect to his unsecured network so he can suck the life out of your PC with a batch file or something:)
Anyone ever thought of that? It could be one of many neighbors

**CyGuy33** · 06-25-2008, 01:10 PM

Originally Posted by HandSanitizer

Or the Neighbor could be testing you and wants you connect to his unsecured network so he can suck the life out of your PC with a batch file or something:)
Anyone ever thought of that? It could be one of many neighbors

That would not be cool and then he would be the one ******* off the new neighbor. I don't think it's that kind of group of people though. Something to think about.

**Bader** · 06-25-2008, 01:20 PM

Originally Posted by jdoggivjc

I guess it depends on how you feel about moral and ethical dilemmas. For instance, if you saw a $20 laying in front of your neighbor's door, would you pocket it, or would you knock on their door and ask if it belongs to them?

The difference here is that you are "stealing" a service someone else is using, not stealing material from them.

A better example would be, if your neighbor hired someone to mow their lawn and this company kept on mowing yours by accident, would you say something about it?

**jdoggivjc** · 06-25-2008, 01:33 PM

Originally Posted by Bader

The difference here is that you are "stealing" a service someone else is using, not stealing material from them.

A better example would be, if your neighbor hired someone to mow their lawn and this company kept on mowing yours by accident, would you say something about it?

Actually, that's different too because it's the lawncare company that's screwing up, not the neighbor. In this case, the ISP has nothing to do with this other than providing the internet. However, they are providing it to the right location; they're fulfilling their contract to the best of their abilities. It's the other end of the contract that's screwing it up because they should be taking measures to "lock up" their wireless.

I guess a better example would be water. Would you plug your garden hose into someone else's house and water your own lawn with it because they didn't do everything in their power to protect their outdoor faucets from neighbors that might potentially steal it?

**h0mestar** · 06-25-2008, 01:35 PM

Individuals have been successfully prosecuted for "stealing WiFi" under Title 18, Part 1, Chapter 47 of the United States Code. The section that can be interpreted to address WiFi theft reads: "intentionally accesses a computer without authorization or who exceeds authorized access". The broad definition of computer can be interpreted to mean "computing system or computer network". It is highly unlikely that you will be caught and prosecuted if you decide to steal you neighbor's WiFi. Illegal or not, stealing WiFi is unquestionably unethical behavior. You don't get a free pass just because someone was not smart enough to secure their wireless connection. There are plenty of places you can go to get free internet access until you get your connection in.

**Tornado man** · 06-25-2008, 01:36 PM

Originally Posted by jdoggivjc

Actually, that's different too because it's the lawncare company that's screwing up, not the neighbor. In this case, the ISP has nothing to do with this other than providing the internet. However, they are providing it to the right location; they're fulfilling their contract to the best of their abilities. It's the other end of the contract that's screwing it up because they should be taking measures to "lock up" their wireless.

I guess a better example would be water. Would you plug your garden hose into someone else's house and water your own lawn with it because they didn't do everything in their power to protect their outdoor faucets from neighbors that might potentially steal it?

That's a great post. Rep to you!

**Bader** · 06-25-2008, 01:37 PM

Originally Posted by jdoggivjc

Actually, that's different too because it's the lawncare company that's screwing up, not the neighbor. In this case, the ISP has nothing to do with this other than providing the internet. However, they are providing it to the right location; they're fulfilling their contract to the best of their abilities. It's the other end of the contract that's screwing it up because they should be taking measures to "lock up" their wireless.

I guess a better example would be water. Would you plug your garden hose into someone else's house and water your own lawn with it because they didn't do everything in their power to protect their outdoor faucets from neighbors that might potentially steal it?

I'll agree

However, when someone hops onto an open WAP the owner is not charged any extra amount for the extra traffic while the faucet owner's water bill would obviously go up.

Anyone see why it's been so hard to place laws about wardriving?