Quote from jorgez:
VPN services I have heard of them but I don't know much about them.
How would VPN help me secure my laptop if I am on a public WiFi.
The Wifi would only see highly encryptd data going to the VPN server. Point.
Companies use that all the time - wifi or not - on non-trusted networks. Depending on how stupid one sets it up it is very safe of cracked in minute.
I personally run ALL my traffic over a VPN when not in my office. Heck, even then (mostly because all my office traffic is routed to my coputational cluster in a data center, then from there through a commercial firewall).
It is quite simple then.
Two step log in:
* Log into Wifi
* Establish VPN connection
Finished. From then on all the WIFI can see is a simple non-sensical data stream.
Regarding accessign your computer: dont care. Jsut amke sure you dont run totally outdated software. Current WIndows versions, including the latest version of XP (which I think is still supported) have a firewall that simply blocks all unknown incoming packets (i.e. only packets from connections you started come back in). Just dont be so stupid to turn it off. Plus regularly update and be aware of funny emails.