Free ride on the internet?

[Cigar smoker]

I just won me a laptop from a church raffle and this is my first computer. My mate helped me get it going and found out I can connect to the internet using the wireless magic in this box yet I don't have a internet account with anyone so I'm somehow using someone's internet connection.
I got no complaints but is this o.k. to do? Can doing this cause a problem in the future with my lappy?
The person who helped me sent me here for some answers. He was as awestruck as I was that this happened.

[renegade600]

It is illegal to hijack someone elses network without permission.

[giradman]

Well, I'd agree w/ Dan - not sure 'where' you are located, but from your 'mate comment' I would assume the UK or related Commonwealth - can't comment on the laws there, but it is ILLEGAL to 'steal' bandwidth from another account - unless you are connecting to some 'free wireless' service, then you are attaching to an 'unprotected' network - you need to either get your own ISP account or find out 'who' you are stealing bandwidth from and discuss the situation w/ them (probably in your own building?) - :hmm: