There's no such thing as a stupid question, but they're the easiest to answer.
JoinTour
Login
 
Tag Cloud
acer black screen blue screen boot bsod computer connection crash css dell display driver drivers email error excel explorer firefox firefox 3 game hard drive internet internet explorer itunes laptop linux malware network networking outlook outlook 2003 outlook express partition password printer problem ram router security slow software sound trojan usb video virus vista windows windows xp wireless
General Security
Search
Search in:
 
Advanced Search
Tech Support Guy Forums > Security & Malware Removal > General Security >
Comments on Public WiFi


HELLO AND WELCOME! Before you can post your question, you'll have to register -- it's completely free! Click here to join today! We highly recommend that you print a copy of our Guide for New Members. Enjoy!

Closed Thread
 
Thread Tools
mrss's Avatar
Computer Specs
Senior Member with 550 posts.
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Chicago USA
Experience: Intermediate
21-Jun-2008, 08:06 AM #1
Comments on Public WiFi
I was traveling on vacation/holiday with my Vista laptop and using wifi at hotels and cafes for the first time. Occasionally, I saw unsecured network sites named "Free Public WiFi: and "hpsetup". The first time this happened. I was in a motel off by itself in the Canada's Yukon province, miles from anywhere. Couldn't be any other routers around and being paranoid, I wondered if there was a hacker down the hall. I used the hotel's wifi, by the way.

So I came home and found out with a search that this is probably from other travelers with laptops inadvertently set to broadcast SSID's for ad hoc networks, as explained here.. Anyone else seen this?

Another time. I checked into a hotel that didn't advertise public WiFi but in the room, my laptop found a network bearing its name. I used it to login and check my email. Later, I spoke to the clerk why they didn't advertise it like their competitors. He said they didn't have wireless, only a wired PC in the lobby. Sigh. I figured the other site was bogus, so used the hotel's wired PC to change my email passwords. Speaking of wired PC's for the public, be careful. My daughter used one for her email and it stored her web access page and login info. I used IE7's tools to erase browsing history and cookies. Hope that was enough.

I found I could get wireless at various coffee shops,some visitor sites, and many hotels, except for one lodge that didn't have TV, phone, or air conditioning either. It did offer location (next place 100 miles away) and great views of bison standing outside the window.
TechOutsider's Avatar
Computer Specs
Account Disabled with 303 posts.
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Florida
Experience: Advanced
21-Jun-2008, 10:39 AM #2
Before you use public wi-fi, verifiy the SSID, the network name, with the provider. Just ask the guy behind the counter. Then make sure the network you jump on has the same SSID.
Closed Thread

THIS THREAD HAS EXPIRED.
Are you having the same problem? We have volunteers ready to answer your question, but first you'll have to join for free. Need help getting started? Check out our Welcome Guide.


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
WELCOME TO TECH SUPPORT GUY! Are you looking for the solution to your computer problem? Join our site today to ask your question -- for free! Our site is run completely by volunteers who help people like you solve computer problems. See our Welcome Guide to get started.



Thread Tools


You Are Using:
Server ID
Advertisements do not imply our endorsement of that product or service.
All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:32 PM.
Copyright © 1996 - 2008 TechGuy, Inc. All rights reserved.
Powered by vBulletin, Copyright © 2000 - 2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.1.0
Powered by Cermak Technologies, Inc.