Friday, April 23, 2004
MiniStumbler WiFi Scanning Software Updated
Posted by Jonathon Watkins in "SOFTWARE" @ 03:00 PM
MiniStumbler version 0.4.0 has just been released. What is it, you might ask? "MiniStumbler is a tool for Windows CE that allows you to detect Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) using 802.11b, 802.11a and 802.11g. It has many uses: Verify that your network is set up the way you intended, Find locations with poor coverage in your WLAN, Detect other networks that may be causing interference on your network, Detect unauthorized "rogue" access points in your workplace, Help aim directional antennas for long-haul WLAN links, Use it recreationally for WarDriving."
Don't worry too much about the Windows CE tag, as MiniStumbler works with HPC2000, PocketPC 3.0, PocketPC 2002 and Windows Mobile 2003. New features include support for many more chipsets, use of GPS(!) and a whole bunch of bug fixes and nice little touches. Marius Milner, MiniStumbler's developer also contributed to the book "WarDriving: Drive, Detect, Defend, A Guide to Wireless Security" if you are interested in finding out more about more about Wardriving. [Affiliate]
"In most places, it is illegal to use a network without permission from the owner. The definition of "use" is not entirely clear, but it definitely includes using someone else's internet connection or gathering information about what is on the network. It may include getting an IP address via DHCP. It may even include associating with the network. The IP address reporting functionality in MiniStumbler (only available on PocketPC and Windows Mobile 2003) is for you to check the settings of your own network, and for corporate users to identify rogue access points operating within their organization. If you are doing neither of these things, it is suggested that you disable TCP/IP on your wireless adapter. This will help you to avoid possible legal trouble."
How much does it cost I can (almost) hear you ask? Well, MiniStumbler is "beggarware", meaning that you don't have to pay for a license to use it. However if you use it and like it, then it's good form to make a donation. (You'll feel much better for it). You can download it here. Happy Stumbling! ;-)
Don't worry too much about the Windows CE tag, as MiniStumbler works with HPC2000, PocketPC 3.0, PocketPC 2002 and Windows Mobile 2003. New features include support for many more chipsets, use of GPS(!) and a whole bunch of bug fixes and nice little touches. Marius Milner, MiniStumbler's developer also contributed to the book "WarDriving: Drive, Detect, Defend, A Guide to Wireless Security" if you are interested in finding out more about more about Wardriving. [Affiliate]
"In most places, it is illegal to use a network without permission from the owner. The definition of "use" is not entirely clear, but it definitely includes using someone else's internet connection or gathering information about what is on the network. It may include getting an IP address via DHCP. It may even include associating with the network. The IP address reporting functionality in MiniStumbler (only available on PocketPC and Windows Mobile 2003) is for you to check the settings of your own network, and for corporate users to identify rogue access points operating within their organization. If you are doing neither of these things, it is suggested that you disable TCP/IP on your wireless adapter. This will help you to avoid possible legal trouble."
How much does it cost I can (almost) hear you ask? Well, MiniStumbler is "beggarware", meaning that you don't have to pay for a license to use it. However if you use it and like it, then it's good form to make a donation. (You'll feel much better for it). You can download it here. Happy Stumbling! ;-)
