New York City By Email And Internet

Hello and welcome to the 21st century, where you can check your email from anywhere in New York City, though sometimes you'll have to pay a few bucks or buy a drink for internet access. Although in some places it's possible to forge a remote link with your home server, in most cases this is a much slower (and thus more expensive) option than taking advantage of free web-based email accounts (e.g., www.gmail.com). For lists of additional cybercafes in New York, check out websites like www.cybercaptive.com.

Wireless hot spots make internet access possible in public and remote places. Unfortunately, they also pose security risks. Hot spots are public, open networks that use unencrypted, unsecured connections. They are susceptible to hacks and “packet sniffing”—the theft of passwords and other private information. To prevent problems, disable “ad hoc” mode, turn off file sharing and network discovery, encrypt your email, turn on your firewall, beware of phony networks, and watch for over-the-shoulder creeps.