Security on free wi-fi such as Barnes & Noble

[Sneakattack879]

I have a quick question for anyone that can offer advice. I'm sitting in a Barnes & Noble using their free wi-fi, and am curious to know of whether or not I should be worried about the security of my laptop. I'm using AVG Free for annti-virus/spyware and have my Win 7 firewall up and running as well.

The main reason I'm curious about it, is that I'm wondering if it is safe to do minor downloading, like just downloading 10Mb freeware/updates and whatnot. Their terms of use say pretty clearly that downloading copyrighted material is unacceptable, but I figure small files are okay right?

Thanks in advance, and Happy Veterans/Remembrance Day to North Americans

 

[paul3200]

use hot spotsheild from anchor free its free and no one can 'see' you
AnchorFree

 

[mborner]

You should always be worried when connected to a public hot spot. Before you connect, look at the available signals very carefully. If you are not absolutely certain of Barnes & Noble's network name, find out, or don't connect. Never, ever, do any personal transactions like shopping with a credit card or banking from a public hot spot. Be smart, be safe.