Author Topic: There is no such thing as "free public wifi!"  (Read 1203 times)

Offline gunug

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There is no such thing as "free public wifi!"
« on: October 17, 2010, 02:43:08 PM »
There was an interesting story on "free public wifi" which is a "bug" in Windows XP machines:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.p...;cc=es-20101017

I recently switched my XP laptop over to Linux and Windows 7 and one of the "free public wifi" sources I could see with my MAC seems to have disappeared! rolleyes.gif Amazing but true story!
« Last Edit: October 17, 2010, 02:44:13 PM by gunug »
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Offline Xairbusdriver

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There is no such thing as "free public wifi!"
« Reply #1 on: October 17, 2010, 04:59:22 PM »
I don't think that article was well named or even written. What he is basically talking about is a WiFi setup that is being run off someones Windows computer in some public place. It can then access/monitor whatever is sent from your computer via that connection. Including anything sent from a Mac, even passwords.

The real point is to be sure any "public WiFi" connection is actually that. Any store/company running one should have some visible signs indicating that. And, even then, examine the name of the router/ID of the network. Might be best to just ask what the network  name is before connecting...I'm sure all the clerks are honest and know the info... rolleyes.gif Also not too wise to have your WiFi set up to automatically join a network. Make sure it is set to "ask before joining" one.

Of course, I may have completely misunderstood the point of the story! Ey'v allreddy maid too erez this munth!
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Offline gunug

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There is no such thing as "free public wifi!"
« Reply #2 on: October 17, 2010, 08:30:07 PM »
QUOTE
Ey'v allreddy maid too erez this munth!

Just two; that would be a red-letter month for me! biggrin.gif
"If there really is no beer in heaven then maybe at least the
computers will work all of the time!"