But like a virus, it has spread — and may even be lurking on your computer right now. And I was aware from my job and analysis in the field that this wasn't a sanctioned, provisioned wireless network, but it was actually something rogue.
Free Public WiFi isn't set up like most wireless networks people use to get to the Internet. Instead, it's an "ad hoc" network — meaning when a user selects it, he or she isn't connecting to a router or hot spot, but rather directly to someone else's computer in the area. Though it doesn't actually provide Internet access, the network has spread across the country thanks to an old Windows XP bug. When a computer running an older version of XP can't find any of its "favorite" wireless networks, it will automatically create an ad hoc network with the same name as the last one it connected to -— in this case, "Free Public WiFi.
And who can resist the word "free? Not a lot of people, judging from the spread of Free Public WiFi. Computers with the XP bug that try to connect to the Internet will remember the name, create their own ad hoc networks and entice other users wherever they go.
Not Helpful 6 Helpful 5. VMWare does not virtualize a wireless card. These directions would only be applicable if you used PCI Passthrough with a wireless card in your host computer. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube.
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By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Featured Articles How to. Why would someone set up a computer-to-computer network in an airport terminal? Most likely, it is good for them and bad for you. For one thing, the network name seems a bit too obvious. I always configure laptops to only connect to router based networks and suggest you do so too. Windows XP has a configuration option, shown below, that controls the type of networks it talks to.
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