RESCUECOM a national computer repair and technology services company, has offered a list of "do's and don'ts of hot spot usage' that I thought I'd share will you.

The Do's

° DO install a personal firewall on your computer. This crucial step will help protect your information and identity.

° DO consider paying for hot spot access. Many sites charge one-time or ongoing fees for access, and thus are less likely hacker targets. If you choose a free access site, DO ask them about security issues before turning on your computer.

° DO turn off "file sharing" on your computer. This will help seal your files from others on the network.

° DO ask your company if they have installed a Virtual Private Network. All communications across a VPN are encrypted, so your interaction with your company network will remain hidden, though other actions on your computer aren't affected by VPN.

° DO password-protect sensitive files. If there are a few sensitive files you know you'll be using in a hot spot, you'll have to set them up for a password individually.

The Don'ts

° DON'T keep your wireless device on if you aren't connected to the network. Turning off your computer or removing your wireless card when logged off will help protect your files from those who are on the wireless network.

° DON'T perform any financial transactions in a hot spot unless you know the web site has an SSL-encrypted connection. (Look for the "lock icon" at the bottom right hand of the screen or the letter "s" after http.)

° DON'T send private or sensitive information over a wireless connection. Imagine that everything you send over a network is printed on a postcard, for all the world to see.

° DON'T assume a potential data or identity thief is visible. Just because you don't see another computer user in the coffee shop doesn't mean there isn't one in the above apartment or in a car outside the shop.