If you’re willing to do some planning ahead of time, there are a number of online directories for hotspots including:

• AnchorFree.com - Search their free Wi-Fi directory or download it to your iPod
• Wi-Fi-FreeSpot.com - Find free public hotspots
• ilovefreeWiFi.com - Find free public hotspots via your cell phone. Just text them your location and they’ll reply with the 6 closest hotspots
• Wi-FiHotSpotList.com - An online directory of hotspots by address or zip
• JiWire.com - A Wi-Fi search engine

Keeping Your Computer Secure
Having access to the internet is great - but not when it opens your computer up to outside attacks. Here are some quick tips to keep your data private.

• Watch Out For Strangers - It’s common sense, but when typing passwords, make sure no one is looking over your shoulder.
• Enable Your Firewall - Make sure you have a firewall on your computer to prevent incoming attacks. Norton, McAfee, and Zonelabs all have good firewall programs.
• Protect The Data You Send - Firewalls are great for protecting your computer, but they don’t do much for people waiting to intercept the data you send over the network. If you have a peer-to-peer mode set up, turn it off. Also consider only checking your email through sites protected by Secure Socket Layers (SSL) - both Google and Yahoo have such security in place.
• Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) - If you want to connect to your office computer, make sure your IT department has set up a VPN so you can connect securely. HowStuffWorks.com has a great overview of what a VPN is and how it can protect your data.
• Buy Security Protection If you can’t set up a VPN, try software like JiWire SpotLock (available via Download.com). The service is $4.95/month.