Neighbour using my computer

[rescuer]

Our neighbour whose son-in-law will be visiting on Christmas Day has asked if the son-in-law, presumably with a laptop, can access my computer to send reports to the newspaper he works for. The neighbour, who has a computer, says he will not be able to make the necessary connection through his equipment.
I fear that he may be able to access details on my computer and that I may be contravening my agreement with my broadband supplier. Additionaly he would be using some of my monthly availability.

[Ethel]

You will certainly be contravening your agreement with your broadband supplier.

There is absolutely no reason that I can think of that prevents this person accessing his father in law's internet service - to send reports he can even use his father in law's computer.

He could access your information but only if you have your files set to 'share'.

A bigger concern is any activity will be registered to your IP address - whether that be child porn or any other illegal activity.

Just say 'no' politely

[joggerjayne]

You're just worried that he'll find your porn !



Notice: Last Friday Before Christmas ...
AB will be closed from 8pm tonight - 4am tomorrow.

[Whickerman]

Ethel's hit the nail on the head there - accessing of illicit material on your account should most certainly be your biggest concern.

If you feel you don't want to cause a scene or appear like a scroge (politeness causes a lot of difficulties!) find some way to ensure your system is out of order that day

[rescuer]

Many thanks Ethel and Whickerman for your prompt, sensible replies.
I will say ''NO" pointing out that I would be contravening my agreement.

[Skyline D]

Sorry, I'm not following this. In what way would allowing someone else to use your computer be contravening your agreement with a broadband supplier?

[Ethel]

Skyline - it is one thing for a members of your household and visitors to your home to hook up to your network and access the internet; it is entirely different to allow a neighbour to piggyback from his own home.

That is really a secondary issue though. This whole thing is suspect - the visitor is only there for a day and simply must have internet access but is not prepared to use his father's computer? Why is that?
Emailing reports is not complicated.

Surely an employee who relies on the internet for his livelihood would have a mobile dongle or other device for getting online?

There is something going on that is very fishy.

[ChuckFickens]

I dissagree Ethel.

If I pay for my broadband connection then surely it is down to me who I grant access to use it? be that a member of the household or a neighbor.

Although I can understand Rescuers concern about both points regarding usage of his monthly allowance and giving access to personal files I am fairly sure there is nothing in any broadband agreement I have seen that restricts who can be given access to use the connection with the bill payers consent as long a charge is not made for the use of it and the third party also stays within the terms and conditions.

[terambulan]

Surely if someone uses their own computer on my bb connexion that's not contravening agreements. Any downloads would be on their own pc.

I read somewhere that if you open your connexion to 'any user' in the vicinity you have same option for yourself with BT BB.

[Ethel]

Chuck - would you put a splitter on your tv aerial so your neighbour can hook up his tv to your aerial and claim it was legitimate because you have a licence and he doesn't?

I live in a cul de sac of 20 houses. The house at the top has a wireless network that reaches at least 14 of these houses. Theoretically, 14 houses could run off one broadband connection - are you saying that would be within the terms and conditions of the broadband contract?

[pink-kittens]

just make your connection secure - set a password

[Ethel]

This is in my broadband contract terms and conditions:

8.5 You shall not share use of the service, or any part of it.. unless you are a consumer you may share the service with members of your own household at your own premises.


I haven't seen a contract that doesn't include that, or something similar to that. And

8.6..... you are responsible for any misuse by anyone who uses the service

[Skyline D]

Sorry, I missed in the orignal question that he wants to use it remotely on his own laptop. Hence why my question asked why it was illegal to let someone else use YOUR computer. I take the point, though it's splitting hairs and I seriously doubt the broadband provider would actually care about one day's use by a neightbour which would be perfectly legal If he sat 10 yards closer and within his neighbours garden.

Reason I asked is that on odd occasions in the past when my sister in law has stayed over she's used my pc to finish some work she was doing. I wondered how on earth that would be breaking terms of a contract. Clearly it wasn't though since she was in my household.

[Jenga]

I think if you are not happy with someone using your computer then politely say no. They are just your neighbours and I am sure their son in law can cope without sending reports on his laptop for a couple of hours. Why visit people and make an excuse you need to work? It is rather rude.

[rescuer]

Thanks to all who have kindly replied. Problem is now over. The neighbour has said that the signal from our system is not strong enough. How he knows that I don't know. The future son-in-law works for a newspaper and I would have thought the newspaper would have some sophisiticated method for their reporters to make contact.
Maybe he isn't supposed to be too far from base.
Thanks again.

[Panic Button]

Presumably he wanted to connect to your wireless router, not your computer.

If you had agreed to this you would have had to reveal your password, and presumably change it later (if you know how)

If you don't have it secured by a password, then he tried, and that's how he knows it isn't strong enough. If that is the case then you need to secure your wireless network asap.

[rescuer]

Thanks.
I'm a novice with computers but my son has assured me that he has put full security on mine.
As people have written, it was wrong for the neighbour to ask, but you don't like to upset a neighbour with whom you have always had a good relationship.
Taking in parcels for each other is one thing but as you have pointed out it could be dangerous to allow him access.

[RevFunk]

Sounds fishy to me.

If he works for a Newspaper then he will have his own link surely, via an iphone, laptop, blackberry etc.

Just say no

[danchip]

when i connect to my wireless broadband it shows me all wireless connections in the cul de sac which i live in so i can go through the list and see how strong peoples connections are although as soon as you try and connect it comes up that you need a security password so i wouldn't asssume that because he knew your connection wasnt strong enough that he's been trying to access it or doing something dodgy