security on open wifi networks

[bofak]

I am planning to use my new Dell Inspiron 910 netbook extensively while travelling, and I'm searching for discussions about security on open wifi connections (hotels, cafes, etc.)

This is the first portable computer I've used, and I realize the issue does not concern only Dell and Ubuntu. If this is not the appropriate place to raise the question, I would appreciate if people could point me in the right direction.

TIA, Bofak

[DGortze380]

I am planning to use my new Dell Inspiron 910 netbook extensively while travelling, and I'm searching for discussions about security on open wifi connections (hotels, cafes, etc.)

This is the first portable computer I've used, and I realize the issue does not concern only Dell and Ubuntu. If this is not the appropriate place to raise the question, I would appreciate if people could point me in the right direction.

TIA, Bofak

Honestly, the best and easiest answer are the same...

There is none.

Open networks are just that, open. All traffic is sent in the clear unless otherwise encrypted (like https for example, or ssh, or a VPN Tunnel).

[Bachstelze]

Open networks are just that, open. All traffic is sent in the clear unless otherwise encrypted (like https for example, or ssh, or a VPN Tunnel).

What he said. So basically, if you have a computer at home you can afford leaving on while you're away, setup a VPN if you want to encrypt all traffic, or just use SSH tunnels if you only want to encrypt sensitive information (emails, etc.).

[mike555]

The only security setting I would suggest is turning on your firewall , you can do it manually or just download " Gufu " ,it's a gui for the built-in firewall ...

[superprash2003]

+1 to the SSH suggestion