Unsecured Wireless Newbie?

Question

I just bought a laptop with a wireless modem built in.

When i click the network and sharing centre there are two signals which i allways pick up.

One called: Lynksys which is a secured connection

Another called: Default which is not a secured connection.

Wireless technology is new to me as ive been on dial up for most of my life so i'd like to know how this works.

I clicked on the default connection and somehow i'm surfing the net. When i click on properties, it tells me that the SSIS is also default, and that the connection type is open for ALL USERS.

My questions is basically what is happening? Have i picked up a free hotspot around my neighbourhood or something? Can someone please fill me in as to what is happening, i'm a little concerned i might be doing something wrong. I'm in AUS.

Answer 1

You didn't mention if someone set up a wireless modem up for you or not.  If you just went out and bought a laptop and went home and started surfing without actually setting up internet service then it sounds like you're picking up someone else's internet connection. In this case...good for you...enjoy it while you have it...eventually you will have to get someone to help you set up your own.

Enjoy

Answer 2

Unless you know it's free, most likely it's someone's wifi that you have picked up. In the USA if you leech onto someone else's internet connection that's illegal unless you are a patron of a store that is offering it free or it's your own. I have never seen any that say "free".

Answer 3

You have found a neighbor's unsecure connection and are "borrowing" it.  Technically it is stealing.  Unless you are at a place that offers free WiFi (library, coffee shop etc) you are not entitled to use a connection just because you can connect to it.

For a list of free places:

http://www.wififreespot.com/

Added

Just because it says it is open for ALL USERS it simply means it doesn't need a key or password.  That doesn't mean anybody is allowed to use it. It means it is unsecured.

I do not know the laws in Australia but am guessing it is illegal to "borrow" signal there also.