Using Another's Wireless Network

[Smooth]

I currently live in an apartment and was trying to use another tenant's wireless network via a laptop. I don't have a laptop yet but a friend brought one to my apartment a couple weeks ago and picked up a wireless network within my building but the computer said the network was secured so we couldn't tap into it. However, tonight he came over again and the same network was unsecured. Does this sound normal? I want to get a laptop but if I can't pick up a wireless network, it is pointless. I only have one cable input which goes straight to HD Tv so trying to split the signal would affect both internet and cable reception. Do i buy a laptop with the hopes that the network stays unsecured? What would cause a network to go back and forth between secured and unsecured? Just don't want to waste my money if it will be secured.

Help!!!

[CheeseBeger]

Sooooo you want help regarding how to steal someones internet? Naughty naughty.

[thedude]

Sooooo you want help regarding how to steal someones internet? Naughty naughty.

Not cool man.

[RyanK]

...in my apartment i pick up 4 different neighbors wireless... why pay?

[Madison]

Gotta lock this up for the obvious reason.

[Lofunzo]

Gotta lock this up for the obvious reason.

Agreed but I thought that I would add something that might be able to keep yet another Cafe member out of trouble.

I currently live in an apartment and was trying to use another tenant's wireless network via a laptop. I don't have a laptop yet but a friend brought one to my apartment a couple weeks ago and picked up a wireless network within my building but the computer said the network was secured so we couldn't tap into it. However, tonight he came over again and the same network was unsecured. Does this sound normal? I want to get a laptop but if I can't pick up a wireless network, it is pointless. I only have one cable input which goes straight to HD Tv so trying to split the signal would affect both internet and cable reception. Do i buy a laptop with the hopes that the network stays unsecured? What would cause a network to go back and forth between secured and unsecured? Just don't want to waste my money if it will be secured.

Help!!!

So, you want to buy a laptop but you don't have a few bucks to pay for an internet connection?? You can pick up a wireless connection. Your own. You mention that you have 1 cable run coming into your apartment. Unless you already have a bad signal, you should be able to split it with no issues. If you order internet service from your cable provider, they should be able to verify the signal strength, provide a decent splitter, and use quality fittings.