About Computer Networking: Google Street (and Home Wi-Fi) View

If you can't see this email, click here

Computer Networking Computer Networking Fundamentals Get Connected Use and Upgrade From Bradley Mitchell, your Guide to Computer Networking Officials in Germany were recently surprised to discover that Google Street View autos are scanning German neighborhoods for wireless access points. Although Google hasn't published Wi-Fi maps anywhere on Street View yet, local or national laws might not forbid it. After all, anybody with basic wardriving tools could collect the SSID and MAC address of neighborhood routers without too much trouble, right? What Is Wardriving? Somehow, the thought of someone running around scanning wireless spectrum with a Wi-Fi laptop and a USB stick is a lot less threatening than roaming company cars with hookups to one of the world's largest information databases. Or maybe not. The Jalalabad Fab-Fi Network One thing I failed to accomplish in my college days was helping build municipal Wi-Fi networks in far-away countries using chicken wire and wood scraps. Fortunately, the "Fab-Fi" team has got slackers like me covered. But are these kids old enough to know who MacGyver is? DISCUSS: How to Prevent Internet Bandwidth Usage When Idle Did you know that your home network could be using its Internet connection by itself, even when you're away from the computer? It causes a problem particularly for those who have Internet service with bandwidth caps or who pay based on the amount of bandwidth being used. What (if anything) can be done? We're discussing it right now on the message board. Introduction to Network File Sharing Speaking of bandwidth, one of the fastest ways to soak up all the available bandwidth of your Internet connection is to set up some public file sharing applications. Don't let P2P scare you off, though; sharing files can be safe, fun and fast. Wireless / Networking Ads Pet Dog Dog Problems Puppy Biting Puppy Dog Training Potty Puppy Featured Articles UPDATE: Why Did Israel Ban The iPad? VIDEO: How to Set Up a Wireless Network Wireless/Networking Message Board DISCUSS: Where's Your Favorite Wi-Fi Hotspot? What Is OpenVPN? What Is Networking?   More from About.com Disney Trip Planner Everything you need to plan the perfect Disney vacation -- from when to go and what to do, to saving money and picking a hotel. More > Join About.com's User Panel! Share your opinions and help us make About.com more relevant, informative and enjoyable to use. More> This newsletter is written by: Bradley Mitchell Computer Networking Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Computer Networking newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2010 About.com   Must Reads Wireless Router Networking IP Addresses + Internet Networks Connecting Two Computers Home Network Diagrams Home Network Setup Advisor Tool Advertisement