[ibamars]

Well I am back out on the road. i just thought i would post this due to I thought it was kinda cool.

So I am siting here at the 223 in ohio on I-80. pilot. I finally broke down and bought a wireless internet card for my laptop. so i turn on the internet card to see what signals i get. I pick up 2. one from the pilot and one from the flying j. what amazes me is the flying j is 10 miles down the road if not mistaken.
so i spent 5 bucks to try it out.. so far so good.

anyone else have something they like for service out here?

oh it also worked good when i picked up someones houses signal and got on for free in michigan

[Mattangcobra]

I wouldn't go around telling people your stealing wifi. It is illegal

[P Jug Joe]

How is it illegal? If the system is unsecured and not password protected it's not illegal. A lot of people have WiFi set up for their homes and don't bother to password protect it. If the sytem will let you log in it's not illegal to log in. It doesn't sound like the guy is hacking in. I mean, I could be mistaken, but usually guys who are asking questions about WiFi on trucking message boards aren't hackers.

Anyway- the Flying J won't let you log in without buying the service. He said he paid $5 which, if I recall, is the daily fee for buying ONE day of service. So how is this stealing?

I am using a home WiFi setup right now while visiting some relatives. I wasn't even sure it was THEIR WiFi until I asked the next day. I've never used WiFi before except a brief stint trying the truck stop WiFi that didn't turn out so well. I'm amazed ibamars is getting a signal from the Flying J 10 miles down the road- but POWER to you!

If I'm not mistaken a lot of people PROVIDE free WiFi. Airports- Starbucks- and a lot of private homes and users. Rest areas in some areas, too, from what I've heard.

ibamars, I use a Sprint wireless air card. I didn't have a whole lot of luck with WiFi and I decided that for the expense it's worth it for me. I do my accounting online, pay bills, check fuel prices and, of course, stir the pot whenever possible here on Class A Drivers... all for $60/month after taxes and fees get figured in.

[mike3fan]

I don't think it is illegal unless you are using it for illegal purposes.

[Hat Rak]

Exactly. It is the in furtherance of a crime statute that also applies to scanners in most states.

[kc0iv]

Originally Posted by Hat Rak

Exactly. It is the in furtherance of a crime statute that also applies to scanners in most states.

There are several states that have made it illegal. I recall a case in FL. where they charged a man. Never heard what the out come was.

As others have said -- Its dumb to NOT have a system protected. Only takes a couble of minutes to do.

kc0iv

[mike3fan]

I recall a case in FL. where they charged a man. Never heard what the out come was.

If I remember right he was doing something illegal like accessing bank records or something.not sure though as I don't exctly remember either.

[BAYDOG]

What is a name and model of card I can get so I can sit in the average truck stop, pay theur fee, and use wifi?? I have a HP 900 with windows 2000.

Just go to Best Buy, Walmart or any computer store and get ANY wireless internet card and it will work fine.

If someone allows there home network to be accessed go ahead and use it. It's not illegal. The home owner left it open on purpose by not password protecting there router. Sort of like leaving the shades open in your house and your TV up against the window. Go ahead and watch it!

[EasyRolln]

Again, it's not illegal unless you try to hack into the persons computer. I use one of my neighbors DSL when my cable goes down. They even make devices to boost your WiFi signal to pick up unsecured signals.