how do i know if someone is using my internet?

Question

Well I'll try to provide as much info as possible--> i'm not good with computers.... Here goes: I have windows XP, road runner internet(cable) wireless router(so my brother can use internet) called LINKSYS Wireless-G 2.4 GHz and I use Mozilla Firefox. I'm not sure of any passwords set, and I live in an apartment building, so people are all around me. Please don't use too much internet terminology like "protforwarding connection IP adress Wireless LAN Communication bar Etc." I'm really that bad at using a computer. Thanks :)

Answer 1

If you have set a WEP/WPA password on your wireless connection, it is extremely unlikely that someone else will be using (piggy-backing) your Internet connection.

If you haven't set a password, the symptoms of someone else using your connection are mainly a noticeable slow down of your connection.

To set a password you need to



Step 1 - Accessing the Setup Page



1. Using the computer hardwired in the router, launch Internet

Explorer.

2. On the address bar, type "http://192.168.1.1".

3. A login prompt will appear, leave the username blank and use "admin" for the password.



Step 2 - Changing Basic Wireless Settings



1. Click "Wireless" tab.

2. Change the SSID to any word that doesn't contain spaces.

3. Change the channel. Recommended values are 1, 6, and 11.

4. Leave the other settings to defaults.

5. Jot down SSID and the channel.

6. Click "Save settings" button.



Step 3 - Setting up Wireless Security



1. Click "Wireless Security" tab.

2. Set the security mode to WEP.

3. Type any word in the passphrase. Must not contain spaces.

4. Click "Generate".

5. Jot down key 1 and passphrase.

6. Click "Save settings" button.



That should make your connection secure.

Answer 2

there are some programs out there that do tell you if someone is using your service. network magic is one. it tells you if there are any intruders.



if you dont have the software then the only way you could know is if you connection speeds are slowly, example downloading.



you should lock your internet connection using a key as describe by someone else. i believe linskys has a wizard with the CD installation. a wizard helps you install things. pop in the CD it take with.



your internet provider bill wont be higher if someone else's is using it thats stupid because you can have 4 computers accessing the internet at once and they wont charge you anymore.



hope this helps and good luck

Answer 3

ok, well there really is nothing on your computer that will tell you your internet is being stolen or used by someone else. The best way to prevent it is to secure your network. I have listed the below:



Call linksys support:[phone]

Tell them you want to secure your network

They will help you through the rest

Answer 4

Well I'll explain it to you clearly.



1.Type http://192.168.0.1 on your Browser's web address bar.

2. Log in with the Username: admin; Password: password.

3. Click Parental control

4. Click Connected Computer.



PS: MY INSTRUCTION MAY NOT BE CORRECT BECAUSE I JUST IMAGE THE SCREEN INSTRUCTION. BUT IT'S KIND OF LIKE THAT.



Contact me if you are confused.



Good Luck,

Answer 5

trust me, you'll know when you get your internet bill each month. if its the same price your internet service provider quoted you in the beginning, then no one is messing with it. good luck.