unsecured wireless network

I lost my ISP (long story). Since I will be traveling soon for this whole summer, I decided not to get re-instated and resorted to using unsecured network/s. One is particularly always available with always excellent signal...and my PC is actually faster connected to this network than my own.

I am a little bit concerned about safety. What troubles or problems am I getting myself into with using a network that belongs to someone else? Am I more vulnerable to hacking and such intrusive malevolence? Am I guilty of some kind of piracy (legal or ethical) issues?

Are there safety measures I can observe to minimize untoward events? (Like how should my connection be set up. Public vs private. Network discovery: on vs off. Files and printer sharingn vs off). I have toggled between all these options and I do not see or sense any difference as far as my system operates.

(BTW, why on earth would anyone allow his network be share-able with the public?)

Hi welcome again to the forum.
Lets start with this:-

Using an Unsecured Wireless Network

Then this:-


I'm not stealing your Wi-Fi - using neighbour's unsecured wireless network

thinkbroadband :: Two people arrested over wi-fi use

Using someone else's wireless network to access the Internet - CNET Community poll Forums

Really Useful Computing - Resources - Articles

I particularly like this link as it appertains to the UK:-
Your home wireless network? About as safe as a chocolate tea-pot - Computer Business Review