Neighbor wanting to use my internet. (messages, guilty, person, member)

[oddstray]

Originally Posted by boogie'smom

I know very little about computers.

My computer can have more than one user, each with their own password. Could two people sharing wifi set it up this way? Would a virus for one user infect both computers? ...

If two people are using the same computer, each with their own account, then yes a virus for one will affect both.

If two people are sharing a wi-fi connection, each on their own computer, then no a virus for one will not affect the other.

[The Dissenter]

Originally Posted by Crackpot

I don't know how I should feel, but I feel kinda bad right now.

In my small complex I think there are like three tenants living on SS, some are in their 50s, some just don't go to work in the year I've lived there. My neighbor this morning asked if he could get the password to my internet before I was heading into work, I didn't think about it because I'm used to the idea of roommates using my internet (which I paid for).

Then my brain kicked in and told me some of the ramifications if I let him use my secured internet:

--illegal downloads which would be under my name
--risking personal data available
--If this guy did something bad like child porn or stalking, my name will show up if I'm being tracked and I'll be the one that's screwed. Chances are no one is going to fess up, even if I point the finger it'd make me look bad.

So to summarize, I told him it would breach my contract with my ISP and he didn't seem to happy, especially when he said "Well you shouldn't of told them" and couldn't wait to get back to his apartment.

I should be used to dealing with shady Kingmanites over the years, but an old man with a trailerish family with police coming there every once so often set off a big red flag. Plus, I've allowed people to take advantage of me before because I gave them the benefit of the doubt but yet I get screwed.

Yet my guilty conscience won't let me sleep tonight. Perhaps it's my GC that makes me such an easy target in the first place. Think I'm overreacting?

You did exactly the right thing. Do you really know what the hell they are into? That nice-seeming old couple may spend every night religiously getting off on child porn for all you know. No way I would be stupid to risk going to a max security prison fighting for my a&% (literally) just so some fools who don't want to pay for internet can get online.

[jmellc]

It took me FOREVER to quit lettng people walk on me. You did right. Never give anyone access to your ISP. I used to work with a guy who was a total fanatic on not trusting the gov; thought all computers were being monitered, etc. I actuall agreed with him on a lot of points but then he asked others to send & receive e mails for him, to and from others. He wanted the convenience of e mail but not on his own cmputer.

[chiroptera]

Originally Posted by ellie

If you know and trust him, why not? There's a big difference between freeloaders and helping a friend in need. Just explain your basic security rules and you'll have an ally for a neighbor.

Thanks. No fan of freeloaders but if it doesn't hurt me to let him use my wifi then....I guess the only person it "hurts" is AT&T or Comcast because that is one less customer. But I don't care about them.

This has been an enlightening thread, so thanks to everyone! I'll for sure tell him to get an antivirus program. He might end up getting his own wifi because it's sort or rural here and my signal is weak at his house (I tested it with my tablet.) But it does work.

[AtkinsonDan]

Originally Posted by stan4

Wtf? Why would you feel guilty for saying no to a total moocher?

Agreed!

[longnecker]

Originally Posted by Crackpot

Plus, I've allowed people to take advantage of me before because I gave them the benefit of the doubt but yet I get screwed.

Looks to me like you answered your own question.

[beera]

My MIL didn't put a password on her internet connection, even though I REPEATEDLY told her she should.

One day she had her internet disconnected and ended up finding out her internet was being used by people doing illegal things on it (can't remember exactly what).

She went through hell to get her internet back and finally put a PW on it...

[Ollie1946]

You need better neighbors. I'd consider relocating when my lease is up. Nothing but trouble from these people down the road.

[strawberrykiki]

I'm amazed that someone would have the audacity to be mad at someone for not letting them mooch for free something they have to pay for. People are so entitled. They can track all kinds of things through the internet and you truly never know what someone might get up to. Even if you trusted your neighbor, what if they let a friend or relative come over who used the internet to do something illegal? I would never let anyone use my wifi. Ever. You made the right decision and you shouldn't feel guilty.

[malamute]

Originally Posted by angrymillionaire

wtf= Nope you did the right thing why doesn´t he have a smart phone with internet. He seems creepy as hell . I HATE neighbours who come asking for favors when you barely even know them. IMO a good neighbour should introduce themselves first and invite you for a drink at their house.

Yes, it sounds like there may be a reason the neighbor doesn't want to get his own internet account. Using someone else's would be perfect for a child pornographer or other criminal.

Internet is simply a luxury, no one needs it so I would say no way.