1. You are viewing our forum as a guest. For full access please Register. WindowsBBS.com is completely free, paid for by advertisers and donations.

New Laptop / Wireless Connection Question

Discussion in 'Networking (Hardware & Software)' started by thentavius, 2006/10/30.

  1. 2006/10/30
    thentavius

    thentavius Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2006/10/30
    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    0
    Hello! I'm new to the forums here and hope to contribute over time.

    I just hooked up my new Acer Notebook PC, with wireless capability. When I booted up, it informed me that it had found a wireless connection in my area.

    After installing appropriate firewall, antivirus, and spyware stopping "armor," I tested the wireless connection. It works very well and very quickly. However, I have several major questions about it:

    1.) The system informs me that it is an "unsecured" wireless connection called "linksys1." How do I know where/what I am actually connecting to? Is there a website that can ping the point of origin (or something in Windows that can identify where the wireless connector is)?

    2.) Am I linking into a public access wireless connection? A free connection? Am I piggybacking on a neighbor's connection by accident? How can I tell?

    Any and all help would be sincerely appreciated. I'm not messing with it any more until I determine where I'm connecting to and whether or not it's "OK" to use it.

    3.) If this turns out to be an accidental piggyback situation, what can I do to legitimately enable my notebook for wireless internet? Are there pay wifi services? Should I set up a home wireless connection (and would it work with DSL)?

    Thanks!
     
    thentavius,
    #1
  2. 2006/10/30
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/01/18
    Messages:
    9,072
    Likes Received:
    400
    Welcome to the forums!
    I'll try to answer your questions.

    When you turnm on a Windows XP computer that has wireless enabled, Windows will automatically scan the airwaves and inform you of the wireless networks in range that it has detected. At different locations, the list of available wifi networks will change.

    Your comp detected a wlan (Wireless Local Area Network) by the name of Linksys. Linksys is the name of a manufacturer that makes network equipment, e.g. wireless access points and wireless routers for home networking.

    The default out-of-the-box name for Linksys wiireless products is "Linksys ". You have a neighbot who has a wireless network using a Linksys access point/router. It is an unsecured network, meaning that no password or encryption key is required to connect to the network, (you are piggy backing)

    If you have dsl, then yes, you can setup your own home wireless network using a similar device as your neighbor. Exactly what device to use depends greatly on your wants & needs, room layout of the home, etc. Some dsl providers supply wireless modem-routers to their customers. A simple call to yours may result in just exchanging your modem for one of the newer models offered by your isp.
     
    TonyT,
    #2


  3. to hide this advert.

  4. 2006/10/30
    thentavius

    thentavius Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2006/10/30
    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    0
    Thanks!

    I am indeed piggybacking. I quit doing it and am researching which wireless equipment I need to enable it in-house.

    Thanks again! I wonder how many people are uknowingly hopping on a neighbor's connection?
     
    thentavius,
    #3
  5. 2006/10/31
    Bill Castner

    Bill Castner Inactive

    Joined:
    2006/08/30
    Messages:
    1,980
    Likes Received:
    0
    Knowingly, lots of people.
     
    Bill Castner,
    #4
  6. 2006/10/31
    thentavius

    thentavius Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2006/10/30
    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    0
    Good point, Bill. I thought it seemed fishy that I had "free" access to something I hadn't set up, so I did research on it--and voila! It ain't free. I'm sure many people would continue to use it.

    I went ahead and configured my laptop for dial-up service and contacted my broadband provider. I ordered the multi-computer wireless setup (with added monthly fee, of course, but that's OK) to set things up nicely in the house.

    I'll be protecting it so people can't knowingly or unknowingly snipe. LOL. Thank you for all of your help!
     
    thentavius,
    #5
  7. 2006/10/31
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/01/18
    Messages:
    9,072
    Likes Received:
    400
    Well done!
    Just remember to change the Internet Explorer after the wifi is all setup.
    Internet Options > Connections Tab > "never dial a connection" or "dial when no network connection available ".
     
    TonyT,
    #6
  8. 2006/11/01
    thentavius

    thentavius Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2006/10/30
    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    0
    Will do. Thanks, Tony.
     
    thentavius,
    #7

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...