How can i detect a hot-spot?

[kramerica2]

How can i check if there is a Wireless Network in my area? I mean networks like Universitys have and coffee shops?

I know that at my house it connects automatically because i have no security whatsoever on my network, but it doesn't semm to work at commercial places or my university.

[xtreme23]

http://www.aspecto-software.com/rw/applications/wififofum/

[knowsleyroader]

How can i check if there is a Wireless Network in my area? I mean networks like Universitys have and coffee shops?

I know that at my house it connects automatically because i have no security whatsoever on my network, but it doesn't semm to work at commercial places or my university.

Take a tip and protect your wireless network at home. Up until recently mine was unprotected as I didnt think anyone lived close enough to me who was into computers. Was down late one night and just happened to see the wifi light on my router blinking. I knew no one else was up on the laptop or psp and I wasnt using my phone so I started to wonder what the hell was going on.

On investigating I found a computer as part of my workgroup called mikey_234234 or something similar. Seems there was someone close enough and they were kindly using my broadband and probably sharing my files ( although it was only a small folder with ppc stuff in it ).

I protected it straight away and the light stopped blinking and now the mikey computer has gone. Someone somewhere has lost their free ride.

Seriously protect your network my friend.

[molski]

I always protect my Wireless Network(s).
Or via TKIP (password authentication), or simple MAC Adress Filtering.

Although I don't have a datalimit, it's fun to see unprotected networks and fun to use them.

Buying a wireless router is just like buying a car, it works plug-and-play, but you gotta lock it, otherwise people will get in :)