Need Ipad for travel..

[Janalee]

Hope one of you may have an older Apple Ipad to sell--I don't know who to trust on the resell websites. I would like to have one for camping so I can check my email etc.,and of course, games! Thanks! Jan

[pwb01]

Ipads are nice but expensive and over the air fees aren't cheap. If all you want is games and email (and browsing the internet) and can live with wifi only (not over the air) then consider a Nook or Kindle Fire or the new Microsoft unit for $200 new.

There's so many hot spots now: cafe's, McDonalds, coffee shops.

I am considering no longer paying for a data phone. There's nothing my Blackberry does that I can't wait for a hot spot and use my Nook.

[Janalee]

After considering alll angles, I feel you are correct..now I am looking at the Samsung Galaxy...Thanks!

[pwb01]

before you settle, check the ratings on the internet for each. They cost about the same and ratings vary and make sure you can charge the one you pick with a 12v source.

[Jim-Bev-2363]

What are safe settings for laptops/notebooks when using "free" internet? I've only used wired internet because I wasn't sure of how to protect myself.

[pwb01]

When using free wifi, let it automatically connect. You could search for a site if it doesn't connect automatically but you'll almost always get a warning that the site isn't secure but select connect anyway. Just don't use a computer or notebook with sensitive information on it that someone could hack into. It's rarely a problem. I've used free wifi at hotels and airports in many cities around the world.

enjoy

[Jim-Bev-2363]

I don't know a lot about computers but Google is my home page, LOL! I did a search for safety using WIFI and got some suggestions.

Things like:
1- Turning off file sharing
2- Make sure the firewall is turned on.
3- Use SSL or HTTPS for sensitive material such as signing in to any website.
4- If using the computer in a WIFI area but not connecting to the internet turn off the WIFI card in the computer so others cannot connect to you.


The reason I asked this in the first place was because we were sitting in a Panera Bread store the other day and they had free WIFI. I asked about connecting and they said no password, find Panera and login. Then while eating I notice others on computers and then it hit me that this might not be secure. I could see me signing in to SOC and somebody getting my password. Oh the damage they could start then, LOL!

I really think WIFI is great if used with care but stuff happens to nice peeple. Like my SIL that called tonight and has DNSChanger Malware on her computer. All it takes is a relaxed attitude to become a victim.

I'll return this thread back to it original settings.

[Gene]

Originally Posted by Jim-Bev-2363

.... Like my SIL that called tonight and has DNSChanger Malware on her computer....

You probably know Jim but for those that don't visit DCWG | DNS Changer Working Group to check your computer for the DNS changer malware. It is a safe site and doesn't load anything on your computer and it has an explaination of the malware.

[Jim-Bev-2363]

Thanks Gene. I'd fix it for her but she is two hours away and can't wait until I get there. She has a repairman coming out to the island. She will let me know if he can't fix things. If not then I'll make the trip and "Git-er Done".

The real problem is I just could not make her understand how dangerous it is to click links she isn't sure of. Those funny emails her friends pass around were just toooo tempting. Maybe one day she'll learn about that little tidbit.

Crossing fingers everyone here stays safe and clean.

If someone has the DNSChanger they probably can't get online now, not with the infected computer anyway. Even though the servers provided by the FBI aren't to be shut down until Monday their computers are probably locked with popup warnings and may be locked from the internet already. It will take someone to reset the DNS Server numbers. Good that the number of infected computers is considered to be small now.