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I ran across this site which lists all kinds of places that have free wireless networks, for customers or otherwise. In the FAQs this particular website makes mention of several considerations for using free wi-fi connections. One case in point: hotels. It doesn't hesitate to say that such connections are meant for guests, but in the same breath it says try it anyway if you want to, even if you're not a guest. Frankly, it doesn't bother me, but should it? Isn't it up to the provider of the wireless network to secure it? |
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This happens at my house constantly. One of the restaurants near us offers free wifi and it frequently overrides my own secure network. Drives me nuts. I agree with you - if they aren't securing it, then it is open to the public because there is no way to stop people from using it. What's the way to stop people? Do you go around and ensure that everyone's wifi capabilities are turned off? Doesn't seem practical. If you want to protect it and ensure that it is limited in availability, secure it and give it a password that you disseminate to your users. |
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I agree with Frugallawyer. I'm trying to think of something else I pay for that the onus is on me to protect it, or else just deal with everyone else using it. What is another good where we just accept that there will be free riders? I don't know. |
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I can think of at least two occasions that I have been in vacation rental homes, that did not have wi-fi, but the next door neighbor did. I used their wireless without a second thought. They didn't password protect it, so they must not care, one way or the other. I think anyone that sets up a wireless router, in this day and age, knows it is there for others within range. I also wasn't using it for anything illegal, or immoral, probably asking/answering on Cash Commons! Now if I was hacking passwords, that would be different. I wonder if some people setting it up with no password are doing it so that it can be accessed. Like an act of charity...
(Dec 28 '09 at 16:00)
Frugallawyer
I hope so, if not, well, what can you do....say I am sorry!
(Dec 28 '09 at 20:37)
Dr Dean 1
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