[Ham-Computers] How safe are Hot Spots?

[jandlmiller at bellsouth.net]

Phil's question was a good one.  My experience is that if your laptop is well 
protected by virus, spyware, and other malware shields, and if ALL the 
protection is kept fully up-to-date, and if you are careful about where you 
surf, you're probably going to be OK.

That having been said, I also advocate a good backup program such as Eazy 
Backup.  See ajsystems.com.  I do a weekly or more frequent archive on all 
computers.

When I am in a new WiFi place, I often ask questions of the management 
personnel, particularly about their router protocol and protection.  I also 
cruise the isles glancing at the laptop screens as I pass by to see what 
problems other people are having, if any.  I may also ask a question or two of a 
customers with respect to his comfort in doing computing there.

Here's a neat online directory of WiFi to use:  http://www.jiwire.com/

John W0IKT