Windows 7: How do I select Network Settings in Windows 7

When setting up my wireless internet modem for the home computer, the Network and Sharing Center gives me three choices of Home Network, Work Place and Public Network. I read the help information on the subject but I am still a little confused. I use only the one home computer within my home. Should I choose the 'Home Network' option or would it be more safe and secure to choose the 'Public Network' option?

I also need to set up a VPN connection for web browsing. Here again I am asked to choose. Do I choose Public Network for this?

Thank you.

They're really for firewall settings. You only really want to be on public if your on an open access point. (Public connection)

While you can only setup homegroups in a home connection.

Since I don't use homegroups I always choose work

Thank you. Does it mean that these refer to firewall settings with regard to other computers in your network and not the other computers in the Internet Service Providers Wireless Network? This ambiguity of the word 'network' is what confuses me.

Regards,

Both actually. If your just using a modem to connect with no router your firewall is the first line of defense. With port 3389 open in this situation anyone can use your external ip address and attempt to access a remote session.

With a router its a little different. With 3389 open on windows firewall anyone on the lan can attempt to connect to the remote session, but no one on the WAN could unless you also open the port on your router.

In regards to the profile type. Public closes many things that are open in home or work.

I hope this helped.

This definitely helps. I am going to select public for both the Wireless Modem and the VPN network because I would like to benefit from the added security. Would this setting affect the download speed from the internet?