Wireless Internet - Permission to Use a Wireless Network

Just because a network is available doesn't mean you have permission to use it. A built-in feature of Windows XP is the ability to show wireless networks in your vicinity. Wireless access points are configured, by default, to broadcast management beacons, usually every 100 milliseconds. Windows XP collects these beacons and generates a list of available networks. The only way to identify a network is by its network name (also called the Service Set Identifier, or SSID).

Although some argue that open access points might be there as a convenience to users, unless you have permission or the SSID clearly indicates you do, look for a different wireless network. Because most access points install insecurely by default, many system administrators don't have the time or skill to lock down their networks. Poor system administration isn't an excuse (or legal defense) to exploit network resources for your own benefit.