Wi-fi and is it dangerous?

[greydigger]

Hello folks,
I just got this new (to me) FIOS thing and have a wireless deal on it.
I sometimes use the tower computer but often use laptop for ease of where I am at.
So I have wireless deal and the tech who set it up put in a secret code and stuff so no one can access machine without knowing secret code.
I can change the code and name of my wi-fi if I want. I can even (I think) make it open to anyone within range.

Why should I not?

Can a person using my wi-fi link get into my computer any easier than any other hacker?

I do not have stored info like credit card or things like that on computer.
If I do a CC purchase maybe that info is stored, I don't know. I do not save and fill in the blanks thing.
All my passwords are not saved.
The only thing I can think of is other users will have my IP addy on them.

Should I be worried? and about what?

Would like to have an open system to help folks if it does not harm me.

Grey

 

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[BuckleBoy]

I don't know the answers to most of your questions...


But I do know that if anyone using wi-fi off of you illegally downloads programs, music, DVD's or the like--you can be held responsible.

Mildest scenario: you get a warning from your internet provider


(if someone does that to you again, you will be blacklisted from internet service)


Worst scenario: you will be fined (and unfortunately, we're talking a Serious fine) by the corporation whose information was downloaded via your IP address . Keep in mind that Big Music in this country recently fined the hell out of thousands of college students for music file sharing.



You'd think that folks who lifted internet off of you would be considerate--but unfortunately the world doesn't work that way.


You'd think that Big Music would figure out a way to make information available to more people, at a cheaper price--but unfortunately that is not the case.


You'd think that corporations would find a way to enforce a law besides levying fines of thousands of dollars against college kids who were using Free software to share music with their friends, but that is sadly the way things have ended up.


And of course, if your wi-fi provider catches wind of your kindness to others, they will blacklist you too.


In this sad world, companies have to squeeze their bucks out us every chance they get. Anymore, it's like paying a parking meter: Parking (like internet) should be free and open to the public, but instead you have to pay to use it. And if you refuse to let them have their 25 cents now, they will take their 25 dollars later.




Regards,



Buckles

 

[Blacksheep]

Keep it locked up tight.

"When wireless squatters steal your WiFi, they slow down your bandwidth and what's worse, they can even steal information off your computer or infect machines on your network with a virus."

And BB is right on the mark, you also mentioned a tech got you set up, I highly
recommend that you change the encryption key and password for your network.

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/how-to-tech/how-to-detect-stealing-wifi.htm

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Keep it locked up tight.

"When wireless squatters steal your WiFi, they slow down your bandwidth and what's worse, they can even steal information off your computer or infect machines on your network with a virus."

And BB is right on the mark, you also mentioned a tech got you set up, I highly
recommend that you change the encryption key and password for your network.

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/how-to-tech/how-to-detect-stealing-wifi.htm

Thanks for the link.

 

[MD Dog]

But then again your wifi will be limited in distance. My house sits 300 feet back from the nearest roadway and someone would need to drive all the way up my drive to be close enough to tap into my wifi signal. However if your an apartment dweller then you must take every precaution. I would still work hard wired with a long wire for a number of reasons not the least of which would be security.

 

[K*E*L*L*Y]

Welcome to the wonderful world of FiOS! Super fast internet speed and super great HD (high definition). You'll never go back to cable.

As others have suggested...keep it locked and hard wire(d) is still the best.

swr... so you got into the fiso down here? they send me stuff all the time. but is it REALLY better than bright house HD?
when i called and asked about the true cost.. not the 99 teaser rate, after i added all the movie and hd stuff i have with bright house.. fios was almost 70 bucks more a month... (with phone taxes and fees) so... is it really worth the extra money?

 

[K*E*L*L*Y]

but did you have bright house before that?

and T~ the necklace is from target! its fake!

 

[greydigger]

Thanks for the replies.
Wonder how the coffee shops and stuff avoid lawsuits.
Most motels also have free wi-fi.

So far the FIOS thing is working great except I cannot find the Avocado channel amoungst the thousand others on TV.
Today we are re-configuring web site and passwords and stuff. (We meaning my son LOL).
Only have 4 computers on this network so is not too hard.


This is Memorial Day Weekend.
Remember those who have given for all in the USA.
My oldest son is on his way back to Iraq for the 3rd time.
Peace thru strength.

Grey