I have installed Fedora 9.

I have connected it to my Wireless Router which connects to
the Land line telephone.

When I start Firefox it takes me to
http://start.fedoraProject.org/

I can then browser the internet. No password required.
Ruby Documentation - Variables
How is this possible?

I have not setup to use an isp on my Linux computer.

Normally I would used my other computer to browse
the internet but first I have to login to AOL.
That computer is switched off when I
am using the Fedora 9 computer.
Ruby Documentation - Variables

First be sure you're connected to your own Wireless Router (not that of your neighbour). Then you have to secure your Wireless Router to avoid your neighbour connects to internet using your line. The router is configured to connect to your ISP but when you connect your computer you are not asked for any further authentication (just like when you connect an ethernet cable within an existing LAN).

Off topic (and you should smile too, as I am laughing):

HoHo: this makes a change from "I can connect from windows but not from linux... [snip] How is this possible?".
Now sol_47's "complaint" is that he is connected, but he "have not setup to use an isp on my Linux computer."

Sol, you are probably connected to your neighbour's network. You'll soon sort it out

Or dont sort it out..and enjoy the free internet..lol...Its not stealing if hes got his router wide open..thats what wep and wpa are for.I bet the person hasnt even changed name and password to router..just plugged it in and thats it.

A wireless router usually has an internal webpage for making all settings (linksys tends to use 192.168.0.1, d-link often uses 192.168.1.1; all default values). Bring up the web interface and run the wizard option, if there is any. The main point is set up or at least see what settings are in place, then set your Linux network options accordingly.

Debian

So if you don't lock your car I can take it?

No..but I dont have sign on car saying.." door's unlocked..come and get it"..the guy with the open router has left the doors unlocked and left key in ignition..

and the car IS RUNNING .
these open wireless routers is what war driving is all about.

Ummm....If I am not smart enough to set up my wireless and you eavesdrop, you are simply taking advantage. I suppose it is loosely analogous to me dropping some change at a checkout counter, and then you picking it up and keeping it. Would you go to jail? Probably not.

Play this another way: Suppose I am somewhat senile and I leave my keys in the car (maybe even with the engine running). You know two things:
If you take it, you maybe are going to jail.
In this particular neighborhood, if you do nothing, someone else is going to steal it.

It seems to me there is only one right thing to do......

Someone just reported me for double-posting.....

I am SO ashamed---If I say it was an accident will anyone believe me?...

I know that in my country, one of the first things established in the Broadcast Act is that the airwaves are public. If you broadcast an open signal that I can pick up, then I can use it.

No car analogies are necessary.

cheers,

Interesting---I wonder if the actual US law has been tested in this regard.

How do your laws deal with using a home-brew de-scrambler to get satellite TV without paying?

This is not accurate at all if you are talking about the USA. The airwaves are considered public property, administered and regulated by the federal government. There are still restrictions on what anyone may do with signals picked up over the air. Obviously. Try recording the Super Bowl off a broadcast signal and then selling DVDs of the Super Bowl on eBay. You'll quickly discover you can't "use it".

i do like the house analogy. wifi broadcasting " here i am and open, unencrypted." is the same as a "open , come on in and make your self at home" " sign on your unlocked and open front door to your house .

it is the responsibility of the owner to lock that wifi . If some one dl's a mess of the riaa's top 10 on your open network YOU are the one sued .

Well.the whole car analogy really doesn't apply..A car is personal property..So no..I cant just take your car..even if you are senile and left it running..No more than If you left your home unlocked.But if a signal is freely floating around for anyone to taked and your making no effort to protect it..its fair game.But like the Super Bowl reference..It dosent mean you have right to package it and sell it.Just like you cant download the latest pirated movie and burn it to disc and sell it..Well ,unless you live in china..lol..