7 replies to this topic

[justus2]

Computer geeks,

I'm not very up-to-date on computer words so help me in plain English please!!

When traveling with my laptop computer & using a campground Public (not secure) network, i would like to know what I need to do to have a Secure connection for doing Banking, Password protection, etc. etc.

My current phone (flip top) contract states that I can upgrade to a newer phone. Is there a particular phone i should try to get?

My current phone is thru Verizon with 400 minutes plan.

We only travel a week or two at a time so whats my best & cheepest way to go? all suggestions appreciated.

Thank you.

[RonBoyd]

The cheapest would be to "hurry-it-up." If you go online, do your business, and get off, the chances of anyone violating your privacy is extremely unlikely. It is not like someone is hanging around campgrounds waiting to capture someone else's data. Those kind of people are generally pretty darn lazy and are looking for a much more productive use of their time -- read "not much work." Besides, Banks have their own security systems in place that would far surpass anything you could afford. (If Paranoia still has a grip on you, then you should set up your own "hotspot" with something like an Aircard and a Router. The folks at, for instance, http://3gstore.com/ could lead you through that process.)

[ynott96]

We purchsed a used WIFI off Ebay, then actviate at will ...5G per month data package more than you will ever need...cost $50...well worth it and has provided excellent strong signals even in the mountains of northeast Georgia...no complaints...can use up to 5 devices at the same time also.....no contract required...when done using..suspend service through the internet website for Verizon...
George

[Kevin510]

The reality is that anything you do on a public wifi is pretty easy for someone else to actually "watch" what you are doing. Even if your bank has a secure server, you are not on a secure connection. The best thing you can do is what ynott96 suggested. Go to Verizon and ask them for a "mobile Hotspot" It will cost about $25 or so a month and will provide you with you own, private wifi that no one else can get on with out your password. Some will let you suspend service on the unit while you are not using it, you will just have to ask. It is much more secure. If you dont want to spend the extra $$, Do what Ronboyd suggested. Get on, do your business quickly, and get back off. As far as the new phone goes.....there are literally 100's of great choices. You are just going to have to figure what kind of phone you want, what you want it to do besides make and receive calls. Do some research, go to your local verizon, walmart, bestbuy, radioshack etc. and just look around. There is some pretty impressive devices out right now. Good luck.

Kevin

[wigginsjsr]

I assume you have a good virus and firewall protection program installed. If not, that is really a must when using your computer anywhere, but particularly on an unsecure Internet connection. Since you have a Verizon phone, you can upgrade to a smartphone with wi-fi hotspot, or you can get a seperate wi-fi hotspot device.

[Xplorer]

I use an HTC Inspire 4g now that we are fulltime again.

I use the Smartphone with an ATT 5g plan $50, and the phone becomes a router for 2 laptops, 2 Kindles, I can connect up to 5 devices if needed.

We do photos, and a lot on internet, and use about 6g a month, which adds an additional $10 for $60, which is what I was paying for my USB Air Card.

We do all banking, etc. through the HTC Hot Spot.

Going on 4 months now, and nary an issue.....No more separate routers or air cards for us.....I like the KISS concept.....

We have not been without a signal where we have stayed. Travelling occasionally, hit a hole. Locations we have stayed are on the below Blog.

Everyone has their own preference, currently the above is ours.

Good Luck.

[vtbigdog]

Concerning the secure connection you are looking for on campground WiFi...

In the address bar, web sites usually begin with http:\\... When you log into a secure website the address should change to https:\\... The "s" on the end of the address designates a secure site using Secure Socket Layer protocol, which is a secure internet connection.

You can read all about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTTPS

[taylor5]

Concerning the secure connection you are looking for on campground WiFi...

In the address bar, web sites usually begin with http:\\... When you log into a secure website the address should change to https:\\... The "s" on the end of the address designates a secure site using Secure Socket Layer protocol, which is a secure internet connection.

You can read all about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTTPS

When you visit sites like banking most should have secure connections (https). If it doesnt than you may want to get a new bank! Even most email services are https! A quick read on this subject http://www.esecurity...Fi-Hotspots.htm