Wireless Security Type - Which option to use?

[GarretP]

Hello,
My notebook uses Vista Business.
When I am connected to a hotspot and click on the Wi-Fi button on the Taskbar, then click Modify WLAN Settings, under "Wireless Settings", there are 4 options. Which is the best configuration for me to use...
1.) None (encription is disabled)
2.) Use static WEP keys
3.) Use Wi_Fi Protected Access - Pre Shared Key(WPA-PSK)
4.) Use IEEE 802.1x Authentification

Is there any additional softwatre I should download or purchase for security purposes? Currently I have Norton Antivirus. About a minute or so after I log on, Vista promts me to grant access to the Firewall...I always do. Is this correct too?
I am new to this forum and wireless/internet safety in general.
Thanks for any help or suggestions. Garret

[Steve]

Hi GarretP,

welcome aboard

3.) Use Wi_Fi Protected Access - Pre Shared Key(WPA-PSK) is the one I would use.

I, personally, would stay away from Norton

My preferred security config is:

Free AVG for Antivirus - AVG Free Advisor - AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition

Zonealarm for Firewall - ZoneAlarm by Check Point - Award winning PC Protection, Antivirus, Firewall, Anti-Spyware, Identity Protection, and much more.

Windows Defender - Windows Defender - Spyware Protection for Free

Spybot - The home of Spybot-S&D!

IE-SPYAD - Resources: Ad Blocking Resources

Hope this helps,

regards

Steve

[GarretP]

Thanks Steve,
Your help is much appreciated here. I will refer this site to others.

By the way, does it matter what I set up under "Wi-Fi Protected Access" for
"Wi-Fi Settings"? It provides two options each for the following:
1.) Access Point authentification: WPA or WPA2
2.) Data encrription: TKIP or AES

It also asks for a Pre-Shared key and gives me two options here. Is this a password?

Should I enable VPN connection, which is under "Additional Settings? If so, can I ask for some help on that too?
Thanks! Garret

[Steve]

Hi Garret,

I would try WPA2 first. It may not be supported at the other end though, not sure.

TKIP for the other option.

The Pre-Shared Key is indeed the password and may be blank.

The VPN connection should not need to be enabled for normal Hotspots.

A lot of hotspots are different and may need slightly different settings. The settings I have shown are for the normal standard Wi-Fi connections.

Let us know how you get on,

regards

Steve

[dansessions]

Garret, If I read your post right, the security setting is dictated by the Hotspot. Since you were already connected then the Hotspot didn't use security. If it did you would be required to set your wireless to the same settings and use the key they would provide you.Normally, Hotspots are run with no security so anyone can connect without advanced knowlege or someone going around to show people how to setup their computer. So remember, when your connected to Hotspots, anyone can monitor what your doing with simple software.