wireless internet connection safety

I have just moved into a new apartment and when I put in my wireless card I picked up a number of wireless connections that do not require a password. Is it ok for me to use these to access the internet? I'm usually use my wireless card to pick up my network at school.

If I do use these wireless network connections that I get from my apartment building, is this unsafe for me to do? Can the person who owns the wireless connection access information on my computer? If so, is it only information on my hard drive, or can they access anything I do on the web such as purchasing something with my credit card.

Also, is there a general ethical policy on accessing these open wireless connections?

Many thanks and please excuse my ignorance,
rivergirl

 

it's basically illegal. When in doubt, don't connect.

if there is a way for you to politely inform those people that their networks are wide open, then I would do so anonymously.

 

I've been wondering about this. If you are using someone else's wireless connection to download mp3, etc. and the RIAA catches you, do the file suit against the owner of that signal? or can they track it down to you, on your computer, in the house nextdoor?

(by the way, file sharing in FL isn't worth it. FL stat's impose a $3,000 fine PER copyright violation... so, lets say you've lived under a rock since 1998 and only have 4 illegal mp3s on you computer.... that's $12,000!!!)

 

depends on if the owner of the node is logging activity.
If not then the only IP to go from is that of the node which the owner of node is responsible for. If you're caught, then you're guilty of unauthorized access and copy right violations.