<p>I recently got a laptop computer and I anticipated to get Internet Service but my laptop comes with a built in wireless card (Dell Wireless 1390 WLAN Mini-Card) </p>
<p>When I initially got my laptop I was unaware of wireless internet and how it works. The first time I used my computer I noticed my laptop saying “One or more wireless networks is in range” </p>
<p>So I clicked the flashing icon and it gave me a list of wireless network connections with in range of my laptop. All of the network connections required a user name and password. But there was one that didn’t require a password or user name.</p>
<p>The wireless network was called “Network Noble” and it said “This network is configured for open access. Information sent over this network may be visible to others.” I asked a friend of mine if it is okay to connect to the network and he said it would be okay as long as I had firewall protection, virus protections, and change settings so that my computer would be vulnerable.</p>
<p>But my main question is, do you get charged for using a network like this. I am aware of the fact their are wireless connections in libraries, coffee shops, and airports. I am just wondering if the network I am using is similar to those at public places. Keep in mind that, I didn’t register with any Internet service provider nor did I speak to a network administrative that provided me with a user name or password. All I do is right click on the computer icon and connect to the network and I am able to surf the web. All I want to know is this free or is there some charge that I am unaware of.</p>
<p>no, you’re just popping onto somebody elses internet connection. someone may have a wireless router in their house near by and they didn’t set up a username/password for it leaving it open for all to use.</p>
<p>I have the same situation as the OP and in my range are listed businesses, and a hotel nearby, some of which say “unsecured wireless” or security-backed wireless network. So, if I log onto the unsecured one, what risks are there ? Also, there’s a note that says “information is not encrypted and may be visible to other people”. does that mean other users will see what website i’m on ? i don’t get it.</p>
<p>It’s normal in some places to ‘see’ many access points. This is especially true in apartment complexes, dorms that allow them, and other places of high density.</p>
<p>If you hop onto an ‘open’ unsecured access point, then you can use it (at no cost) although the owner of the access point may not really have any knowledge that this is happening so personally, I wouldn’t use it unless it was clear that it was purposely being provided to the public by a business or something. </p>
<p>Also, when it’s open and you didn’t set a ‘key’ (encryption key) in your PC, your data will not be encrypted. This means it would be possible for a snooper to see everything you’re sending and receiving from the internet - not a good idea. Also, the owner of the access point could concevably see everything you’re sending and/or logging all of the web sites you visit.</p>
<p>For the owners of the access points that might leave them ‘open’, they should be careful because in addition to losing bandwidth (speed) to the extra users, they need to realize that ‘their’ internet connection is being used for whatever untoward purposes the freeloaders might be using it for which could include sending spam, sreading viruses, and performing other illicit activities. It’s not a good idea to leave your access point open like this. </p>
<p>I recommend not using these other access points unless it’s a commercial or public enterprise (libraries, hotels, coffee shops, etc.). What you can do, is for very little money now, purchase a wireless acc point to connect to your cablemodem or DSL (many have a wireless access point built-in) and be free to roam the house with the laptop and maintain connectivity.</p>