public internet security

[Wes Hegge]

Wow,  Lots of questions and good ones too!  See below for my responses.

Can you browse the web over a VPN connection?

On 5/5/07, Paul S <paulatgm at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> I'm an experienced linux user but new to broadband and wireless.
> Recently I bought a wireless laptop that I can connect to public wifi
> networks.  I read somewhere that public wifi are insecure and should not
> be used for anything that transmits a password (even "https" websites).
>   I also read that the only way to have security at a public wifi is by
> using a virtual private network (vpn).


For public wifi sites, I use them alot but for only general web surfing.
Reading my RSS feeds and such while having a drink or something to eat.  I
do not use the public wifi for anything else.  Any wifi connection is
insecure in some way.  WEP and WPA both are easy to crack.  So that being
said why do you need to use the public wifi for more secure access?  Do you
travel alot and that is one of the ways to get connected?

A VPN is a way to solve this problem.  The issue is you need something on
both sides to handle the VPN.  It is not real intensive so one of the PC at
your house could run one side of the VPN connection.



I am also new to a home broadband connection.  I recently got a wired
> broadband cable network connection (6 mbps).  I do not have a fixed ip
> address, but it only changes when the power goes off or some other
> disconnect occurs.  So, most of the time, it will not change.


The dynamic DHCP is some what of an issue too.  You can take care of that
though by using something like www.noip.com to give yourself a more
permanent name.

>
>
> I also have a second (older slower) pc that I can connect to this
> broadband connection at home and leave on line.


  Your older PC would work great for IPCop.  IPCop is a router/firewall
distro that includes VPN.  The site is www.ipcop.org.


Is it possible for me to create a vpn on my home broadband pc that I can
> connect to from my laptop whenever I'm in a public wifi?


Yes

Would I be able to browse the web over that connection?


Yes

Is it a secure?


Yes

If you are doing this on (k)ubuntu, could you point me to a howto?


I do not know of one.

TIA
>
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