Wireless basics, need some details

Hi, I have bought a laptop today and I tried to set it up to my taste. I have a regular wired DSL connection that I used to connect briefly to the internet for some updates and downloads. I have a wireless adapter installed on this laptop and I have no clue how wireless works. First I turn on my wireless switch, then I checked a bit the details and settings of the wireless connection icon. I got to an application scanning my area for wireless access, I had 2 sources on my "radar-like" screen. One was a secured access that needed a key to log in, the second one was an unsecured access point with a medium to low "health". I was like, what the hell is this, I was able to connect to the second one and load up google. I disconnected immediately, I am not sure if this is legal or not. First of all I have no clue on how this actually works, I have heard of free hotspots in various places, but I doubt this is the case. When a connection says it's unsecured, does it mean my passwords and logins can be seen while transferring? Anyway, I want to set up my own wireless access at home eventually, but I was only curious on what I experienced tonight, any information would be good.
Thanks,
Z

 

Hey Zaar,
Wireless uses radio signals to connect to a wireless access point, either router or modem. There are several different types and flavors so to speak. The signal is like the last piece of cable that you would normally use to hook up a computer to your wired connection.
When you saw the 2 networks on your "radar screen", your wireless adapter was receiving signals from 2 access points from your neighbors. The one that needed a key to log in was a "secured" connection to keep anyone else from using the connection to gain internet or home network access. The unsecured one was wide open and that was why you could gain internet access. What you did was right in disconnecting because you were using your neighbor's bandwidth to get to the internet. If you had gone to a secure site, like an online bank, the connection from you to the bank would be secured as it normally would with your wired connection.
A good reference about networking and wireless networking issues is in the link below. One of the network gurus here refers to it all the time for basic questions and answers on networking.
If you eventually decide to go wireless, check with your ISP to see if they have any requirements or recommendations on the type of equipment that you can use for your access point or router in going wireless. Personally I like Linksys but there are several manufacturers out there; D-Link, NetGear and others.

http://www.ezlan.net/

Hope this sheds a little light on the subject for you.