Wireless hotspots security and Avast Pro

Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security
1

Hi,

Wondering if anyone can enlighten me as to whether public wireless hotspots are secure to use for the purpose of downloading windows updates? (eg. McDonalds…, public libraries etc.)

I am running Zonealarm Pro 7.0.337.000, Avast Pro 4.7.986, Windows XP SP2.

Ie. is Avast and Zonealarm enough security to access a public WIFI spot, assuming one is not doing internet banking or anything?

Surely just downloading Windows Updates from the Microsoft Website is secure assuming the above software is running with the latest versions and fully updated etc.?

Thoughts, comments, suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Running the following:

Avast Professional 4.7.986
Zone Alarm Pro 7.0.337.000
Windows XP Service Pack 2
Spybot - S&D 1.4
Ad-Aware 1.06

(Note: all above are fully updated with latest patches/updates etc.)

2

The firewall is the key part in this case. Make sure to have it enabled at all times, with inbound protection on.
It is generally not recommended to go to any websites that require user authentication (even if the browser doesn’t ask you for a username/password, it may have the information cached). An example is this forum ;D

Otherwise, there should be no problem.

Thanks
Vlk

3

Many thanks for the prompt response and advice, it is much appreciated.

All the best for the future, and Avast is a wonderful piece of software.