WiFi Internet Access

[Flapjack]

Just bought a laptop that is WiFi enabled. Have a regular broadband connection on my desktop PC, but was expecting to have to buy some kind of gadget to get wireless internet on the laptop, as well as some kind of monthly subscription to a service provider. However, i turned on the computer and clicked Explorer (just out of curiosity) i saw that i had full internet access! i seemed to be connected to something called Linksys, this is all very good but i dont understand it. Is wireless browsing available to everyone with wireless enabled comp, or am i maybe picking up a neighbours signal? Any advice greatly appreciated...im very confused!

[kempie]

Your WiFi laptop will recognise any WiFi router within range and since it sounds like you do not have such a router it appears your neighbour has one manufactured by Linksys.

If you are able to access their network it would be because they have not setup the security encryption to stop 'rogue' computers.

[fo3nix]

basically, your internet is (i assume) currently wired. you have a modem, and this is connected straight to your PC.

If you want wireless internet (or wi-fi), then you need some way of sending your internet connection over the airwaves, so that your laptop can receive it. it sounds like your laptop already has the receiving bit in it (many do these days). so to get wireless internet, you need something to send your internet connection over the airwaves.

something that does this is called a wireless router. a router is just a little box that splits your internet connection up so a group of computers can connection to one main connection. it sits between your modem and the rest of your computers. a wireless router is just the same thing, but it also transmits the signals over the air too, for your latop to pick up.

if you don't own a wireless router, then it seems like there is one nearby in your street (the wireless signals can reach a few houses, depending on brick thickness etc.). this person, as is said above, hasn't protected it, so you (and anyone else) can access their internet connection.

[WoWo]

You can buy a wireless router for about �40. I have a linksys (might be mine your connected too) and that accepts 4 wired and about 20 wireless connections.

Personally I'd use the one you have managed to connect too. You could even be cheeky and purchase a wireless card for your desk top and cancel your broadband connection :)