When I first brought up the point of free wi-fi connections while cruising, I'm afraid I neglected to stress the rules for safe computing. Here is a list extracted from a security web site. Top 10 Security Tips for Public Hotspots 1. Make sure you're connected to a legitimate access point. 2. Encrypt sensitive files before transferring or emailing them. 3. Use a virtual private network (VPN). 4. Use a personal firewall. 5. Use anti-virus software. 6. Update your operating system regularly. The newest OS are more secure. 7. Be aware of people around you. They can see you type passwords. 8. Use Web-based email that employs secure http (https). 9. Turn off file sharing. 10. Password-protect your computer and important files. Also remember that all web browsers are not created equal when it comes to security. If you value the privacy of your communication, DO NOT USE INTERNET EXPLORER. While IE 7 may have better security than previous versions, all are relatively easy to monitor using readily available software. Firefox and Opera are preferred choices and have much better security. Safari (for the Mac) is very good too. Be careful out there. Larry Z ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com