Quote Originally Posted by drone View Post
If you weren't calling long distance, why would it be a problem? It doesn't cost anything. If you call long distance, then you are stealing, because that will cost the equipment owner money.

My views on the fair use of the electromagnetic spectrum are somewhat extreme. By removing the physical aspect (wires) from the equation, communications security is non-existent. This is compounded by the desired "ease of use" aspect of computer products. If you are going to buy something that has potentially huge implications, you should learn how to use it properly.
But that is it, right? If you buy something (in this case, both hardware, and monthly broadband service), do you not have the right of ownership of that product/service? And the right of assent/refusal to share that product/service? And if someone besides you uses that product/service, without your assent, is he not stealing?

That was the question posed by the thread title:

using a neighbors wifi: is it stealing?
and OP.

The past 3 pages of tech discussion is why I switched "wifi" for "car". Not because I tried to make car a universal analogy (Lemur was right, it was weak), but because as soon as the topic involves 'tech', we get caught up in the minutiae of what is possible, instead of what is right. You guys are correct IMO, that anyone who buys, installs, and uses devices that employ the IIEE 802.11 a thru n protocols ought to rtdm and understand the implications of broadcasting, and appropriate measures for security. If they don't, shame on them. But they are protected by the same concept that protects mini-skirted girlies from being harrassed, fondled, brutalized, or worse. Her selection of clothing is no invitation to rape, no matter her ignorance.

But in the end, all that is irrelevant to whether the 'taking' of something not your's is stealing. It is. It has been for at least 6000 years, and it is today.

If I were an active duty cop, would I arrest the kid? No. It costs too much to prosecute such a petty offense against humanity, and laws are unclear.

If I were the lad's father, and found out about this? No computer for 6 months, bread and water for a week.

But that's just me. :)