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HockeyPuck · 08-24-2006, 02:58 PM

Hello,

I consider myself pretty computer literate... however, I was stuck in a world of wires, cords, etc. I've never set up anykind of network (only network I know how to set up is linking 2 computers or 2 xboxes together to have a LAN game). I've never used a router - wired or wireless... I know, I've been stuck in the stone ages....

Anyways, I was able to puchase a laptop off of ebay with wireless capabilities - it has that Centrino technology and a built in wireless network card. As of today, I don't have internet up and running in my house (btw, CIA internet and internet phone sucks!). I'm getting Shaw digital phone and I've bundled Lite speed internet with it. But right now - my house is not connected to the internet. When I excitedly turned on my 'new' laptop, a wireless network connection box pops up and 2 wireless networks are available for me to connect to. Well, me being a WiFi newbie, connect to one of the networks (without really expecting for my computer to connect) and I'm able to go about my business on the internet. I was quite suprised!

My question is, and please bear with me, as I am network ignorant, but why was I able to connect to this wireless network? Where is this connection coming from? Am I allowed to connect to these networks (is it like stealing cable - like those commercials?)? I figure if all this is okay, then I don't need to the Lite Speed internet from Shaw!

Again, I'm sorry for my ignorance, I'm just new to this... Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

08-24-2006, 02:58 PM	#1
HockeyPuck Scoring Winger Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: everywhere like such as Exp:	I'm a WiFi Newbie.... Please help! Hello, I consider myself pretty computer literate... however, I was stuck in a world of wires, cords, etc. I've never set up anykind of network (only network I know how to set up is linking 2 computers or 2 xboxes together to have a LAN game). I've never used a router - wired or wireless... I know, I've been stuck in the stone ages.... Anyways, I was able to puchase a laptop off of ebay with wireless capabilities - it has that Centrino technology and a built in wireless network card. As of today, I don't have internet up and running in my house (btw, CIA internet and internet phone sucks!). I'm getting Shaw digital phone and I've bundled Lite speed internet with it. But right now - my house is not connected to the internet. When I excitedly turned on my 'new' laptop, a wireless network connection box pops up and 2 wireless networks are available for me to connect to. Well, me being a WiFi newbie, connect to one of the networks (without really expecting for my computer to connect) and I'm able to go about my business on the internet. I was quite suprised! My question is, and please bear with me, as I am network ignorant, but why was I able to connect to this wireless network? Where is this connection coming from? Am I allowed to connect to these networks (is it like stealing cable - like those commercials?)? I figure if all this is okay, then I don't need to the Lite Speed internet from Shaw! Again, I'm sorry for my ignorance, I'm just new to this... Any help would be appreciated! Thanks! __________________ Some people are like Slinky's... not really good for anything but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.