My lap top catches free internet. Can I increase internet speed with a modem?

[OZ]

My neighbour's internet signal does not have a password. By buying a modem I am hoping to make the signal reaching my laptop stronger. Would this work?

[Nisia]

You could also buy several more so the signal could reach your prison cell

[Tj]

No. Not if you are trying to use it to boost your neighbours wifi signal. A modem basically serves as a relay between you and your internet service provider. The modem is what decrypts the signal being sent by your isp. A modem is basically useless unless you are paying for your own internet. Even there, not all modems have a built in wireless router so even if you started paying for your internet yourself you will probably need a seperate router. If you plan to keep stealing your neighbours internet there is little if anything you can do to boost your signal or speed.

[Smokies Hiker]

Why do you want to make it possible for your neighbor and anyone else that is aware of, and uses that "free" signal, to get into your computer? They can you know. Some people allow others to "use" their signal so they can capture information like your passwords or financial information. Why do you think you're advised to never use any financial type web sites when you're on a public WiFi signal? There are people in the area that can capture your information the minute you log into a web site they can use information from. Besides being against the law, it's just plain dangerous!

[Boss]

Yea you can.