does NetStumbler actually CONNECT to access points?

**big_cali_dave** · 11-09-2004, 09:35 PM

Nooooo. I don't care what he intended blah blah. The SOFTWARE PROGRAM could include that feature because it has legal uses. It's an extremely useful tool. You people are all worried about who's gonna get caught for what. How many people have you heard of that were caught wardriving?? I believe there has been ONE arrest. That aside, the software could do it, what the user does with it is their responsibility. This arguement is like saying that the wireless configuration in windows is illegal, because it allows you to connect to APs... Gimme a break.

**fantomas** · 11-09-2004, 10:39 PM

sharing mp3s is illegal. people still do it. certain software makes it extremely easy to rip and encode mp3s and share it. however, the software you use to share it is not illegal. its how you use the software that makes it illegal. whats wrong with parking in front of a friend's house (as long as they know what you're doing) and checking your email? or parking in front of your own house and syncing up files without having to exit programs and double click this that and the other thing.

hell, shooting people is a criminal offense but i dont see guns being banned anytime soon.

BMWs can go as fast as 155 mph. thats 3 times the speed limit in new york. it doesnt make the car illegal.

**Supermike** · 11-10-2004, 12:39 AM

I don't think anybody said that Netstumbler should not automatically connect if you wanted it to.

It was pointed out however, that blindly connecting to AP's that you have no rightful access on is not legal. I doubt anybody cares if you do it, and it is not like robbing the circle K. What sux is when people download crap that will get the poor sucker in trouble because they are too lazy themselves to be smart about it.

big_cali_dave, I would suggest posting in the www.netstumbler.org forums and see if they can help you out with your feature request, discussing it here is a waste of time.

**fantomas** · 11-10-2004, 12:45 PM

maybe something like this would work...
http://www.download.com/Pctel-Wi-Fi-...ml?tag=lst-0-4
when i get my car back from the mechanic ill try it out.

**Chairboy** · 11-10-2004, 12:59 PM

BTW, for something to be against the law, it has to be specifically made illegal. The burden is not to define what is 'legal'.

Currently, there are no federal laws that prohibit anyone from using an unsecured wireless access point, so no, it's not illegal. There ARE, however, laws that prevent various types of unlawful computer activity, like breaking into a computer or using a computer to commit crimes (fraud, kiddy porn, etc), so it's not a carte blanche.

Rule of thumb: If you use someones WAP to browse the internet, you're ok. If you use it to get into their network and get access to the files on their computer, then you're breaking the law.

**freestyler** · 11-10-2004, 01:22 PM

Originally Posted by Chairboy

BTW, for something to be against the law, it has to be specifically made illegal. The burden is not to define what is 'legal'.

Currently, there are no federal laws that prohibit anyone from using an unsecured wireless access point, so no, it's not illegal. There ARE, however, laws that prevent various types of unlawful computer activity, like breaking into a computer or using a computer to commit crimes (fraud, kiddy porn, etc), so it's not a carte blanche.

Rule of thumb: If you use someones WAP to browse the internet, you're ok. If you use it to get into their network and get access to the files on their computer, then you're breaking the law.

completely wrong, you are stealing internet service from someone else which is theft of service

next time say something correct or don't speak...

head over to netstumbler.org and try pulling that crap, you'll see how illegal it is to access someone's network. over there we hand over IP/user information to LEOs when someone makes a post like you just did.

**Laidback** · 11-10-2004, 02:16 PM

Originally Posted by freestyler

completely wrong, you are stealing internet service from someone else which is theft of service

next time say something correct or don't speak...

head over to netstumbler.org and try pulling that crap, you'll see how illegal it is to access someone's network. over there we hand over IP/user information to LEOs when someone makes a post like you just did.

Well don't forget to hand over mine, I connect all the time!

**Chairboy** · 11-10-2004, 06:00 PM

Originally Posted by freestyler

completely wrong, you are stealing internet service from someone else which is theft of service

next time say something correct or don't speak...

head over to netstumbler.org and try pulling that crap, you'll see how illegal it is to access someone's network. over there we hand over IP/user information to LEOs when someone makes a post like you just did.

Ok, cite the specific law (with code #s) or shut up.

**roleary** · 11-10-2004, 06:45 PM

wait wait wait .... you hand over IP and user information just because somebody said "its not against the law to connect to someone's AP". really??? wow..... uh..... wow.....if that's true.... i really am stunned!!

i wonder... if i go to nra.com and write a post saying "its not illegal to shoot your gun wherever you want", if they'll report me!?!?!