Computer to Computer Wireless Internet?
 

What is computer to computer wireless Internet access? When I often search for available networks this comes up leading me to believe someone near me has a laptop with wireless capability...does this mean we can both hook up to the Internet for free? Most of the time it is labeled as Free Internet access, any ideas?

Computer to computer is just a way to share files between computers, I am not sure if there is a way for this to actually share an internet connection. The other computers connected to this can access your "shared documents" folder sometimes, and opens up a way for them to hack into your computer. So if it looks like a signal that says "Free Internet Access" is coming from a laptop, be wary...

Also, be sure your wifi is turned off when onboard an aircraft. Many times have I seen other users with their wifi on during a flight. Although it shouldn't cause problems, it just isn't good to do.

It's an ad-hoc network. Don't connect to it. There is a thread somewhere around here that we just discussed this in. I'll try to find it.

Edit: here's the link http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=634037

Probably (or is likely to be) a service provider using a wifi card as a hotspot (using something like HostAP under linux) instead of using an actual hotspot device.

Verizon uses these in Australia, and I've seen a few others around. Although, as others say, something called "Free Internet" may be anything but.