| When you bring your computer to an open | | | | want to use it all the time because you prefer |
| connection like in an internet cafe, there is a | | | | Windows or Mac. That's fine because you can use |
| security risk by connecting to that open | | | | Linux for short periods of time without problems. |
| connection. The only way to absolutely be safe | | | | Get what's called a Live CD. Every distribution of |
| from it is to never connect. You didn't bring your | | | | Linux has one. Download it and burn it as an |
| laptop with you so that you could stay off the | | | | image to a CD. You can then run the entire |
| internet so some security is needed to attempt | | | | operating system off that disk while still accessing |
| to stay safe. | | | | your files on your hard drive. |
| If you are using Windows, be sure to update the | | | | The advantage of this is that you are going to be |
| system, have a firewall, updated and run | | | | quite a bit safe on that Live CD than you will be |
| anti-virus, and an anti-spyware program installed | | | | on your normal operating system. Carry it around |
| and run before getting onto the connection. This is | | | | in your laptop bag for such occasions and it will |
| a good practice no matter if you use open | | | | add an extra layer of security to your computer |
| internet connections or not. Despite doing this, | | | | that you can't get otherwise. Best of all, it's a free |
| there are still some security that is given up by | | | | option. |
| connecting to that connection. | | | | While this won't make your system 100% safe |
| One option that many have looked into is using | | | | for all time, it's a much better option than the |
| Linux for their sessions at hotels, airports, and | | | | current alternatives. |
| coffee shops. Now you may not like Linux or | | | | |