MUCKing from Anywhere

Since I now have my own laptop (*hugs her MacBook*), I'm finding a new appreciation for unsecured networks. Where I live, in-home broadband access is typically gained either through SBC-Yahoo DSL or Charter Cable. The former has networks locked down as a matter of policy, but the latter does not. As a result, if my laptop is charged and I think to bring it along, I can MUCK from the most interesting places.

For example, right now I am sitting in the driveway of my son's piano teacher's house. While seven of the eight or so networks my AirPort card can detect here are locked, there's one poor soul near here, apparently, who is supplying me with access via Linksys. To that person, I tip my hat and say thank you. Otherwise, the half-hour I have to spend sitting here waiting for Firstborn to finish learning what '4-4 time' means would feel like a tremendous waste.

This is not to say, of course, that I am endorsing either stealing access or leaving one's wireless network unsecured. I suppose my use of this Linksys network technically qualifies as 'stealing', and if I were an unscrupulous person who was looking to do some nefarious deeds online, I could conceivably get Mr. and Mrs. Linksys into a lot of trouble. Fortunately, what I'm doing right now is pretty harmless all the way around. So be smart and lock down your networks, and if you ARE hopping onto someone else's unsecured network for access, be on your best behavior. (This has been a public service message from Wixenstyx. Knowing is half the battle.)

Recently I've heard rumors that one of the local townships is actually considering setting up wireless access for the ENTIRE TOWN. The rumor goes that they debated putting hubs on the street lights, but then realized that this would be problematic as the street lights are only powered at night. Heh!

Ah..there is my son. More later! Time to go!