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I have a password and username from the local tv station. My freinds dad owns the tv station and they dont use the cable from 6pm till 10 am. So thats when i use it. But my freinds getting a pc son and he wants the cable back soon and i was wondering if cable is free through linux. I know it sounds stupid but i installed mandrake 9.2 and then got connected directly through to the internet. I didnt have to install the comcast software or even enter the username / password... hmm....
No, the comcast software isn't needed, and the user/pass is to access your comcast e-mail. That can be done through comcast.net. Cable modem connections are not billed by usage, but a flat monthly rate.
eventually you will get knocked offline if you don't pay.
Internet access isn't free just because you use Linux. If the ISP is a business that would normally charge for access...then using it for free is theft of services.
This doesn't change because you didn't have to install anything in linux to use it.
I would assume that either the TV station or your friends dad is paying for the broadband cable connection. If you get caught then both you and your friends dad will be liable.
"So I'm not to blame then right?" No one else is responsible for your actions except you.
just so you know, you do not need to any ANY kind of software to access internet via cable modem. (its not aol). Please note that it only applies to cable, you have to use something if you are using dial-up.
How it actually works: the cable modem you are using needs to be registered with the 'central office'. on that basis you are assigned IP address via dhcp. thats really about it. no additional stuff is needed. just make sure that your computer is configured to get its ip via dhcp and you are all set to for internet.
I'll say this, when you get caught and it is not paid for. You, your parents will be in trouble. Cable access is not free, even if you use Linux. You need to check and see if it is OK to be using that. If you get caught, you will likely see a whole new meaning to grounded.
I'm not sure if I understand teh situation well, but if your friend's dad allowed you to use the cable modem AND in the papers there's not written that you're not allowed to use the connection from another location (share), it's OK. But in most cases you're not allowed to share the connection with others.
he shares with his son and home and office.. i just use it when they dont use it...
im 23 btw... i wont be grounded... but if i didnt hook anything up to the pole outside or have any illegal hardware.. i dont see how i can get in trouble for them not shutting the service off at the pole.
Is the service being paid for? If it is then fine, if not you are breaking the law. You're getting service that is not being paid for and is not available free of charge.
Nothing hard about that. Call the cable company and see what they say.
If from your friend's house there is a line to yours to share the internet, as long as the cable contact does not state it isn't ok to share, it's fine. But as a question that might help us out: how are you connected to your friend's dad's cable box? Do you have a LAN with your house and his? What are you plugging into your computer to get the internet (and where does it go)?
the way i understand this is you use your friend's cable modem at your house when they are not using it at their house. you hook their modem to the cable line that comes to your house. Is this a correct interpretation? If this is what you are doing, then the modem is paid for by the dad of your friend, and unless the cable co's AUP states that you cannot move the modem to another location, then i don't see any problem with that. if you are using your own cable modem and not paying for use, then that is what most people refer to as bootlegging, also known as illegal cable internet service.
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