Wireless Network Question?

[Zedder]

We're going on vacation soon and the condo we have does not have internet service, However...when we were there last time, I turned on my laptop and a couple of wireless networks were within range. Is it OK to use these while we are down there or can someone access my computer while I am surfing or picking up email??? Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I don't use wireless at home and have no previous experience. Thanks in advance http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Dog427435]

Your computer should be no more at risk then if you were using cable or phone service.

[Chevy454]

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However...when we were there last time, I turned on my laptop and a couple of wireless networks were within range.

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I would be *surprised* if the networks weren't encrypted/password protected...just because they register on your networks in range doesn't always mean you can connect. Ours here at home & work are protected, whereas the local elementary school isn't...

[71-LS6]

I used to be able to access the water tower controls, the grade school, and several neighbors' wireless networks, they've all been encrypted since then. Our city office is in a technologically remote area of Kansas City Kansas (down by the RR tracks), for about a year we had OTR truck drivers parking next to our lot and using our wireless system. The guys finally hogged enough of our system capacity that we had to encrypt our system. Last week our system went down and could not be re-activated. Long story short, one of the wireless freeloaders had attempted to access our network so many times that it automatically shut down. It took our firewall tech guy an hour to get the system up and usable again. We lost almost 2 days worth of business before it was all over. The reason I'm relating this story, is that if I could have infected that guy's computer with the electronic equivalent of the AIDS virus, I would have in a minute. I would see if wireless mobile broadband cards are available like prepaid phones are now. JMO and enjoy you trip.