An article in the New York Times takes a look at using open wireless connections, something I have done myself using my cousin’s laptop. Most broadband connections hooked up to Wireless routers, are not being used anywhere near their full capacity, so I don’t see why people are so worried if someone connects to check some e-mail or do some instant messaging, but I do see a problem with people sitting outside someone’s house connecting to download a movie, or surf adult material. The article in the New York times does not seem to show a distinction between me and the porn surfer, which I think is a little sad.

Many who piggyback say the practice does not feel like theft because it does not seem to take anything away from anyone. One occasional piggybacker recently compared it to “reading the newspaper over someone’s shoulder.”

“The best case is that you end up giving a neighbor a free ride,” Mr. Cole said. “The worst case is that someone can destroy your computer, take your files and do some really nefarious things with your network that gets you dragged into court.”

What do you think? If you had wireless or have wireless, would/do you leave it open? Have you used the wireless access of others without their permission, and why?