I'm a pretty big technodork, but I totally don't understand the thrill of driving around just to steal a (likely crappy) wireless signal from some poor schmuck. I have a cable connection with decent bandwidth available right here at home. I have no need (or desire) to go park on a side street somewhere, giggling like a schoolgirl, while I surf the web on someone else's dime.
Also, I have no problem at all with routers that are set up for wireless connectivity right out of the box. They are useful. People want convenient ways to be "connected," and wireless routers provide that. Just because the average Joe isn't savvy enough to create a bulletproof network doesn't mean that he should be chastised for setting up a simple one, nor does it mean that he should avoid it because he's "way too undereducated on the subject to be setting up a network." Most routers ship with warnings about security as well as some simple directions for creating a more secure home network. And you people who ARE savvy enough to steal from the average Joe should be helping, rather than driving around stealing (even if it's "legal," it's pretty damn immoral). Leave Joe alone.
Ok, off the soap-box.
I really like DD-WRT for Linksys routers (especially the older versions), and there are some really neat hacks for creating some very powerful network tools out of a cheap router. I haven't done much physical tinkering with the WRT series, though I did make a JTAG cable to de-brick a V1 not long ago. It worked VERY well.
Also, I have no problem at all with routers that are set up for wireless connectivity right out of the box. They are useful. People want convenient ways to be "connected," and wireless routers provide that. Just because the average Joe isn't savvy enough to create a bulletproof network doesn't mean that he should be chastised for setting up a simple one, nor does it mean that he should avoid it because he's "way too undereducated on the subject to be setting up a network." Most routers ship with warnings about security as well as some simple directions for creating a more secure home network. And you people who ARE savvy enough to steal from the average Joe should be helping, rather than driving around stealing (even if it's "legal," it's pretty damn immoral). Leave Joe alone.
Ok, off the soap-box.
I really like DD-WRT for Linksys routers (especially the older versions), and there are some really neat hacks for creating some very powerful network tools out of a cheap router. I haven't done much physical tinkering with the WRT series, though I did make a JTAG cable to de-brick a V1 not long ago. It worked VERY well.