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Just about anywhere you go from the local coffee shop to a hotel and even in the airport, you’ll find Wi-Fi hotspots. These are areas where you can log onto the internet if your computer has a wireless card or wireless adaptor. You will want to be aware of ‘evil twins.’ These are folks sitting in the same area and simulating a wireless network. For example, if you’re sitting at a coffee shop and their wireless network is ‘drink coffee.’ Someone sitting at the table next to you could be sending out a signal on a network with the same name. The risk is that they can gain access to your computer, and everything on it and at the same time use your computer to send spam. Not fun. Don’t let this scare you from enjoying the convenience of Wi-Fi!

Here’s how to do it safely.

Step 1 Make sure you have your personal firewall up and running.

Step 2 Turn off your file sharing. Different operating systems have different instructions on how to do this. Check out your support documentation to determine how to do this for your specific computer.

Step 3 Create a password for your system and important files.

Step 4 Make sure your antivirus is up and running.

Step 5 Do not access personal information like bank accounts or financial documentation while in a Wi-Fi hot spot and try to use only web based email programs to communicate while in a wi-fi hotspot.

Okay, that’s what you need BEFORE you hit the hotspot, now here’s what you need to do once you’re there.

Step 1 Take a look around and be aware of the folks on computers.

Step 2 Ask the retailer if there is a password or logon to access the wireless.

Step 3 Logon. This generally happens one of two ways. You can open your web browser and quite often the Wi-Fi will pop up and ask a few questions. The other situation is where there is Wi-Fi available but you have to look for it and establish a connection. To do this you will want to view your wireless network connections available. You can view this by going into your control panel or on some computers you will have a wireless network connection icon on your running programs menu on the bottom of your computer screen.

Step 4 Once you are able to view the available wireless networks, you can choose the one that is available via the coffee shop, retailer, etc…

Step 5 Before you click to connect yourself to the network, make sure it is the one that is being made available and not an ‘evil twin.’ Once you’re comfortable, click on connect and you should be ready to go.

Wi-Fi makes working on your computer easy to do just about anywhere. While there are some precautions to take, getting online when you’re away from home is a real convenience.