How to specify default wireless networks?

I'm using a MacBook with a generic wireless 802.11g router in a location in which there are a lot of wireless networks. My wireless network is secured.
Whenever I open the MacBook, it tries to connect to other open networks, but not mine. And once I manually connect it to mine, it sometimes disconnects after 5 minutes of idle time.
Where in the Mac OS can I specify which network I want it to connect to (or not connect to), and have control over stuff like that?

Open the Network control panel and select Airport and then configure. Right below the TCP/IP, PPPoe, AppleTalk tabs you'll see By Default Join...and it will probably say Automatic. Click on the popup menu and select Preferred Networks. Select your preferred networks and you are good to go.

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