Edward2005

Christ, other than the Unibomber I've never before seen anyone rail against internet use -- on an internet forum, no less. Yeah, like the 3 minutes it would take to use your hotel's computer would ruin your trip. Yep, there's not a single reason in the world to use the internet while in Europe -- utterly impossible to confirm or make a reservation, get some quick travel advice from this forum, check the weather forecast, send photos to envious friends, or even (OH THE HORROR!) request a replacement credit card on-line because Jugdish in India learned his English from watching reruns of Star Trek and thinks the entire English-speaking world inflects like James T. Kirk. And it's not worth going to an internet cafe where you run the risk of meeting interesting locals, getting invited to a European Cup playoff match, going back to their place afterwards for a grand party, promising to reciprocate if they are ever in the States, and then a year and a half later taking them to a Florida State college football game. By all means, DON'T take that chance!

Jed

OK, Ed. I'm convinced. No more internet cafes for me.

LeDoutre

If you do email all your important numbers to yourself for access while traveling and you check that email, please remember to close it.
In a hotel in Germany not too long ago, we sat down at the hotel's computer with free Internet access. The previous user, from Texas, had left open an email with all her important info--credit card numbers, home and work numbers, even SS#. Her full name was in the email address ([email protected]). She'd opened it, minimized it, looked at something else and left the computer without closing the minimized email. I tried to find her in the lobby but there was no one there so I closed the email and crossed fingers that she wouldn't be so forgetful again. We encountered the same thing last year at another hotel.

LoveItaly

I have a family member who is head of computer security for a very large county courthouse system. She has always said to never use public computers to access your personal information. Due to some computers that have been rigged with "whatever you call them" that can pick up all your keystrokes and whatever. I am not a computer expert by any definition, lol. But she sure knows what she is talking about..she goes to constant conferances and classes regarding computer security so consequently her advice is what I listen to.

Robespierre

"Keystroke logger."

LoveItaly

Thanks Robespierre, I couldn't remember the correct term.

LoveItaly

Robespierre, do you agree with what my family member has advised me or do you have a different viewpoint on the subject. I am curious because obviously you are so knowledable about all of this. Thank you!

Robespierre

I completely agree. If you need to access sensitive information from abroad, use your own computer.

Security is one reason I carry a laptop everywhere. I have to keep track of some stuff that needs to be kept private.

LoveItaly

Thank you for your advice Robespierre. I have always had confidance in what my family member told me but it is good to get a second opinion from someone else that is also so knowledable about computer security. Best regards!