[Soccer5]

I am a first time mac user. I just bought a new Macbook. Now this is not really a problem, but when I turned on my Macbook in my apartment, it connected to the internet. I don't have a wireless router, I only have a cable modem for my pc. How is my Macbook able to connect to the internet? I think someone on the floor above me has wireless internet, does that mean I am connecting to her's? Also, if I move the computer around I lose the signal.
thanks
Soccer5

[d00d]

Yes, you are using someone else's connection. It's probably a weak signal so you lose it when you move around. Be an upstanding neighbor and get your own wireless router. You'll get a more reliable connection and you won't be using someone else's connection without permission.

[sosumi]

Airport will automatically connect to the strongest signal it can find by default, so you could be connecting to any number of different networks in your neighborhood. Signals will come and go, get stronger or lose strength as you move about, depending on interference or lack of.
I live in a congested neighborhood, and am constantly seeing different networks pop up all the time, sometimes from as far as a block or more away - the local branch library and a couple of coffee shops that I know the network names for.

edit- d00d beat me to it! I always take too long to type! /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[Soccer5]

Thanks alot, I figured I was using her's. So my next question is, what would be a good not too expensive router to use for Macbook? I am a desktop pc that will be connected to a lan line.
thanks
Socer5

[d00d]

Dealnews usually has the best deals. Anything from the major manufacturers (Linksys, Netgear, Belkin, D-Link, etc.) will work just fine. They should all have several LAN ethernet ports you can plug your PC into as well.