The Publisher:

Here is a small sampler of the more common freeware Wireless hacking software:

Airsnort, wireless network tool that passively monitors 802.11b networks, doesnt leave any obvious intrusion traces, gathers your Wi-Fi broadcast data packets and then analyzes them to decrypt the 128 bit WEP encryption key, assuming that youre even using that basic encryption. There are other similar war-driving sniffer programs such as Aerosol and Mognet, which includes the ability to directly view captured 802.11b packets.
Network Stumbler, a program that grabs broadcast W-Fi configuration information and audits a network and its attached computers and users. Theres even a version for Pocket PCs called MiniStumbler.
pong.exe, which ascertains passwords, WEP encryption keys, and the actual MAC addresses of network adapters.
Ethereal, which allows a hacker to examine the live data stream from a Wi-Fi network or capture the data stream to a disk for later viewing.
WEPcrack, a decryption program that uses the latest discovered systemic weaknesses in the WEP encryption scheme.
Kismet, which can simultaneously identify multiple 802.11 networks.

There ought to be something amongst that lot to satisfy your 'curiosity' ;-)

BB,

I see the dangers. I was wondering how Haystack would protect his machine.

Indeed I downloaded the Stumbler software at home when I was trying to set up my WiFi so that it went from one end of my Victorian flat to the other. The guy advising me was educating me about 'channels'.

TP

If you are not connected to the internet via an external WiFi connection then it is sensible to 'disable' the WiFi. You can do this via several routes on your PC -for instance 'Control Panel' then 'Network Connections', there should be an icon for your wireless connection - right click on it for 'enable' and 'disable' options.

Problems could arise if you are connected via a hard link (model, ADSL, cable etc) and your WiFi connection is active. It may be offering itself as a connection point.

You should make sure that all wireless connections are password protected.

The Stumbler software is interesting. It shows all nearby WiFi connection points.

Thanks Haystack,

I use FProt and more recently PC-Cillin from Trend Micro as virus checkers.

I find PC-Cillin a great confidence booster and I've just spotted that they have a WiFi detection mode.

Snip. You might like to take a look at it.

It also has a disconnect from internet facility and I use that every night with my office PC which is left powered up so that it can do its housekeeping whilst I'm doing more important things in the pub, etc.

TP

On this subject, just suppose, hypothetically of course, that I was able to access someone else's wireless connection to connect to the internet, how could I protect myself against them getting in.

I presently run Norton Internet security, but it's so heavy on resources that when the sub ends in a few days time I'm looking to ditch it and move to a lighter tighter form of protection. I don't collect emails at all on my laptop, I run AVG on my desktop which is my email machine.

PC-cillin sounds good but am I OK with just the Windows Firewall?

SC,

I hated Norton as it quarantined files in such a way that other virus checkers like FProt found the files a hazard.

Try PC-Cillin for the test period. I liked it so much I bought the company - no that's my razor company, I forgot.....I liked it so much that I now have three subs for my office machine, my home laptop and my photo studio machine that hypothetically, of course, might be hit by a WiFi attack.

TP

Thanks TP

Can anyone remind me of that free software that can check in to a forum thread and see if anyone has added something new.

I've asked a couple of questions on some slow moving pro photography sites and I'd like to see when they get answered.

TP

Help! My USB memory stick shows 483 Mb used space, 6.46 Mb free space.However, the documents that are on the stick are at most 4000 kb, there's nothing else on there. I can't defragment as there's not enough space. I think I might copy them over to my hard disc then reformat the USB memory stick if that's possible. Anyone know if this is a good idea - or even possible?

edit - sorted now by a reformat.

If my ISP is AOL can i instant message someone who is with another provider ?

Yes. They can download the AOL client.

Get it here!

http://info.aol.co.uk/aim/

Haystacks,

Cheers, Ald.

Have downloaded the MS Malicious Software Removal Tool ...
but how do you customise it, run it and use it??

Does anyone have a view on this please?

http://www.digitalriver.com/promo=134930

TP

Anyone got a recommendation?
I am changing some office equipment soon. I know many of you work from a home office, like me, so here goes.
I am getting rid of my old Lexmark colour printer and a photocopier so old it is no more than a row of Monks in a box.
I am going to replace them with a multi function. I need colour and good quality so I am told laser is the way to go. I am not bothered about fax capability cos I have a dedicated fax.
My concern is running costs. To print and copy on my Lexmak or similar would be astronomical. I do about 800 B&W prints a month and 200 colour prints / month (usually in a shade of blue - don't ask). i also do about 1000 - 1500 B&W photocopies per month.
Average assistant in our local computer shops doesn't know whether its arse or breakfast time so they have been no help. Anyone here had a similar requirement and found a machine that can do this without costing me 100's every month in toner and drums?
For the record, my copier costs less than 1p / copy to run and the lexmark is silly money.
Thanks
Alan

None of the multi function printers is going to be economical in terms of doing bulk copying. Photocopiers are by far and away the cheapest. I did some research a few years ago and I opted for a cheap second hand photocopier from a dealer. It doesmean that without the requirements for a copier functionthen you can get a much cheaper and simpler printer. I have recently bought an HP multi function for home as the home requirement for copying is small (usually related to kids homework).

Morning.

I've just dusted down my old lap top, disk cleaned the C drive and done the usual defrag thing. Is there anything else I can do to get the laptop running as fast as my desktop?

The laptop is 6 years old, is it time to replace her?

Thanks

KD.

Probably.

Check out Multi Input Touch Screen Laptop - a la Tom Cruise in 'Minority Report'

:-)

KEADIAN, first thing to check is how much memory you have installed. You may be able to speed it up significantly by increasing the memory cheaply.

Thanks.