How do I turn on Wi-Fi security on my laptop?

[The Backlash Cometh]

[struggle4progress]

1. You may need to be more specific. What OS are you using, for example? Are you

trying to enhance the security of a home network, or are you trying to protect yourself while surfing at a cafe?

[The Backlash Cometh]

2. Surfing at a cafe.

I have Windows Vista Home premium.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

[whistler162]

3. WiFi security is based on the router not the laptop...

so you can't "turn" on WiFi security. You can make sure you A/V is upto date. Don't have File and Printer sharing turn on on your laptop.

[The Backlash Cometh]

6. Hey, whistler.

Thanks for the info. Can you check my question down below?

[struggle4progress]

4. I'm no expert. Here's what Microsoft says:

7 tips for working securely from wireless hotspots
http://www.microsoft.com/atwork/remotely/hotspots.aspx

Here's another article:

How do I stay safe in an internet cafe?
http://ask-leo.com/how_do_i_stay_safe_in_an_internet_cafe.html

Some of what I got from these articles is:

(1) Use a firewall -- and, of course, an antivirus
(2) I probably wouldn't want to do secure transactions (credit card purchases, online banking, etc) through a hotspot, but if I had to I'd be vigilant about using secure https connections
(3) Set up email security
(4) Turn off printer and file sharing
(5) Set up the PC to require your approval to join networks
(6) Consider removing really confidential stuff from the laptop

Maybe somebody that knows what they're talking about will drop by to add something

[The Backlash Cometh]

5. Where in the control panel to I disconnect file sharing?

In Control Panel it says that file sharing is turned off, but then there's another section that says, "show me what files are being shared" and it shows an icon of a printer.

[struggle4progress]

7. Again, I'm no expert. Here are two links:

File and Printer Sharing in Windows Vista
Published: November 08, 2006 | Updated: May 14, 2007
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037.aspx

Vista - How do I disable file and printer sharing???
http://www.vistax64.com/vista-networking-sharing/39228-how-do-i-disable-file-printer-sharing.html

[The Backlash Cometh]

8. It's all good!

Thank you!