RESCUECOM Do's and Dont's for Wi-Fi Featured by Peoria Journal Star

RESCUECOM, the national computer repair and technology services company, works on both sides of the Hot Spot trend -- setting up safe Wi-Fi stations and helping laptop owners to protect themselves in coffee shops, book stores, and parks around the country.

Here's a list of do's and don'ts to keep in mind.

• DO install a personal firewall on your computer. This crucial step will help protect your information and identity.
• DO consider paying for Hot Spot access Many sites charge one-time or ongoing fees for access and thus are less likely hacker targets. If you choose a free access site, DO ask them about security issues before turning on your computer.
• DO turn off "file sharing" on your computer This will help seal your files from others on the network. This can be done in the "folder options" or "network connections" area of your computer's control panel.
• DO ask your company if they have installed a Virtual Private Network all communications across a VPN are encrypted, so your interaction with your company network will remain hidden, though other actions on your computer are not affected by VPN.
• DON'T keep your wireless device on if you are not connected to the network. Turning off your computer or removing your wireless card when logged off will help protect your files from those who are on the wireless network.
• DON'T send private or sensitive information over a wireless connection. Imagine that everything you send over a network is printed on a postcard, for all the world to see.