[tuffstuff]

I am not computer savy, so this is probably a stupid question. When I click on my networks and hit view wireless connections, besides me there are 3 other people listed. I am with Time Warner and it is a secure network, theirs isn't. Are they using my internet service? Why are they listed?

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Hello tuffstuff

The only stupid questions are the ones that are not asked so ask as many as you need to

Think of Wi-Fi/Network connections as being like connecting two mobile phones via Bluetooth, they have to first be able to detect and then be paired with one and other before they can communicate, they cannot however connect without human intervention providing the missing link/s, passwords.

In answer to your question, you have said that you have a secure network which means that for the people listed to be able connect to your network they would need your SSID and your Network Key details (which is effectively your password) without this information they cannot access your network service.

Can I ask how you know that their networks are not also secured

[phillpower2]

Hello tuffstuff

The only stupid questions are the ones that are not asked so ask as many as you need to

Think of Wi-Fi/Network connections as being like connecting two mobile phones via Bluetooth, they have to first be able to detect and then be paired with one and other before they can communicate, they cannot however connect without human intervention providing the missing link/s, passwords.

In answer to your question, you have said that you have a secure network which means that for the people listed to be able connect to your network they would need your SSID and your Network Key details (which is effectively your password) without this information they cannot access your network service.

Can I ask how you know that their networks are not also secured

[tuffstuff]

When I click on view wireless networks, mine says security enabled wireless network, the other says unsecured computer to computer.

[Wolfeymole]

The amount of people that run unsecured networks is quite alarming.

If I go into my Network and Sharing Centre and click on Connect to a network there are, at the moment, besides myself, 6 other viewable networks, 3 of which are WPA2-PSK and the other 3 are unsecured.