> To me, it's basic politeness. Providing internet access to
> guests is kind of like providing heat and electricity, or a
> hot cup of tea.
OK, but that doesn't imply that it has to be open. If I have guests I provide them all those things, and free WiFi. But my WiFi is protected... my guests just get told the WPA2 password and they are in.
I also let guests use my Mac using the Guest account. I don't leave my Mac outside my front door for just anyone to use.
> I can count five open wireless networks in coffee shops
> within a mile of my house, and any potential spammer is
> far more likely to sit in a warm room with a cup of coffee
> and a scone than in a cold car outside my house.
That seems like a stupid argument. The coffee shop is more likely to notice that their bandwidth is being consumed and track down their customer than J Random Homeowner.
> guests is kind of like providing heat and electricity, or a
> hot cup of tea.
OK, but that doesn't imply that it has to be open. If I have guests I provide them all those things, and free WiFi. But my WiFi is protected... my guests just get told the WPA2 password and they are in.
I also let guests use my Mac using the Guest account. I don't leave my Mac outside my front door for just anyone to use.
> I can count five open wireless networks in coffee shops
> within a mile of my house, and any potential spammer is
> far more likely to sit in a warm room with a cup of coffee
> and a scone than in a cold car outside my house.
That seems like a stupid argument. The coffee shop is more likely to notice that their bandwidth is being consumed and track down their customer than J Random Homeowner.