Free hotspot?

[barfaroo]

I recently bought a laptop computer with Wi-Fi capabilities. When I turned it on at the office, I discovered I had made a wireless connection. The site apparently belongs to a local company that sells Internet access, but the site was listed as a demo. It's an unsecured site. I went to their office and they weren't even aware they had a demo running. A tech person was supposed to contact me, but never did. The site is still up and gives me a connection whenever I turn the computer on.

My question is, am I violating anything by connecting to it? Are they likely to be aware that I am using it and send me a bill?

[niazuul]

Originally Posted by barfaroo

I recently bought a laptop computer with Wi-Fi capabilities. When I turned it on at the office, I discovered I had made a wireless connection. The site apparently belongs to a local company that sells Internet access, but the site was listed as a demo. It's an unsecured site. I went to their office and they weren't even aware they had a demo running. A tech person was supposed to contact me, but never did. The site is still up and gives me a connection whenever I turn the computer on.

My question is, am I violating anything by connecting to it? Are they likely to be aware that I am using it and send me a bill?

if they did not bother to secure their network and provide up-front pricing information for connecting to them, then you're free to go. Any up-front pricing should be announced on a portal page that pops up on initial connect. (well, o.k., that's how the major carriers are doing it with their connection manager software, but if you are not informed, you are not liable.)

[mazen123]

Originally Posted by niazuul

if they did not bother to secure their network and provide up-front pricing information for connecting to them, then you're free to go. Any up-front pricing should be announced on a portal page that pops up on initial connect. (well, o.k., that's how the major carriers are doing it with their connection manager software, but if you are not informed, you are not liable.)

yup i agree with that.If its and unsecured network and doesnt have a wep then its free there for u dont have to pay for it.The other answer is ask someone who works at the place hell help

[WirelessBeachBum]

Of course if you have access to their network, they also have access to your PC, make sure that all file sharing is turned off.

I had a local business next to my office that had the same issue, I walked down and told them that they were open to the public and showed them how to better protect themselves....My personal opinion is just because it's there it doesn't mean it's right to use it.

Then again I have sensitive corporate information on my laptop and personal business info on my PC so I'm a bit protective over which types of network connection I make.

[Bugwart]

My computer has password protection on the hard drives, with only the shared folder accessible. This makes my drives accessible on my network, but not elsewhere.

Last Fall I was on a TSMC project in Hsinchu. The ADSL in our office was so unpredictable, that I had to find a free hot spot just to check email. I did, just outside the door.

[barfaroo]

I have Quicken on my computer, but the only think I want to to do Google searches and check my email. If I don't send passwords or financial information, can they still access the info on my hard drive (e.g., bank account info)?

How do I turn off file sharing?

Is the Wiondows firewall good, or do I need something like Zone Alarm?

What about VPN?

Any help is appreciated.

[maokh]

turn off "Client for Microsoft Windows" and "Printer/File Sharing" under the adapter properties. You will be fine at this point.

Keep in mind that all the data you send will be in the clear, over wireless, etc.

However, it is illegal for the company (and anyone else) to intercept your traffic, gain access to your computer, or try to find bank codes in your transmissions.

The laws on "open access points" is touchy, all but one state. This particular state says that if the access point owner takes no action to secure their system, it is a public access point for all to use. The other states--well, its up in the air.

We run public access points in Seattle coffee shops, on the train, even from our houses. I *want* people to use my wireless ... i indicate this by keeping it wide open with no WEP.

[barfaroo]

Thanks to all who replied. I have turned off "Client for Microsoft Networks" and "Printer/File Sharing." Also, I immediately disable the wireless connection when I am through and I never send credit card or other information while using the hotspot. My only remaining questin is, can someone still look at what info I have on my computer? I have Quicken installed and would not want anyone to get account numbers or other information.

Also, I use a firewall (in XP), run AVG antivirus, and use Spybot.

[ShoresGuy]

If you're actually looking for a WiFi/W-LAN site, search here:

http://www.jwire.com