hot spots in u.s.

[Dave Wyman]

On Jul 26, 2004, at 12:16 AM, iBook List wrote:

> I ain't no lawyer nor a judge so with a grain of salt, I believe the
> concept is that of entering someone's computer without their
> permission.

If you're taping into a wireless network with your iBook, you are not 
entering someone else's computer. You are picking up the wireless 
signal transmitted from a base station in someone's home or business. 
There's nothing illegal about this. It's as if your neighbor 
over-watered her/his front lawn and you came along and sucked up some 
water flowing over the sidewalk and in the gutter. It's not your water 
when it's on your neighbor's property, but once it leaks out, it's free 
for the taking. Same with wireless signals. If they are not protected 
by the user, then they are yours to use.

Recently I flew out of LAX on Continental. I picked up the airline's 
wireless signal from their President's Club while sitting next to my 
gate. Of course, many businesses charge you if you wish to use their 
wireless network (such as Starbucks and Borders bookstores).

Dave
-- 
http://www.davewyman.com
http://www.idrivebackroads.com (Guidebook to Northern California)

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