Laptop???s

<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 won’t get charged. You are either using someone else’s connection, that they pay for but have failed to secure; or else you are in an internet “hot spot” where free public access is provided. This will only work for you while in range of the wireless router that is generating a signal.</p>

<p>The lesson here is that if you have a wireless router yourself make it secure. Because you can pick up viruses from somebody else’s wireless network then you obviously have a chance of picking one up if someone else hijacks your signal.</p>