Free WiFi has its problems
This video has been a big viral hit on YouTube since it was posted this past weekend. I’ve met plenty of students who use whatever wireless Internet they can find, so this video seemed appropriate.
Leo Laporte hosts a popular radio talk show called “The Tech Guy” where he answers quesitons about computers and the Internet.
During Saturday’s show of February 20, 2010, Jennifer from California called Leo to complain that the free Linksys wireless access point she had been using at home had disappeared.
Jennifer had also bought a Linksys wireless extender, hoping that would help her regain access to the free wireless service she had been using for 18 months. Leo’s notes about the call are posted here.
Problem: it seems that “free” Internet connection Jennifer was using was really from one of her neighbor’s unprotected routers. that person finally changed their password or turned off the router, and then the fun started.
See this Mashable article called Clueless Woman Calls Tech Show When Her Stolen Wi-Fi Disappear for some additional background.
Below is Leo’s video of that call – he also streams his talk show on the web at
