Hi
When using an Open WIFI the security is Off so it does Not really matters
which OS you use.
The trick is to leave Files Sharing Off so that people can Not access your
Hard Drive.
In any case laptops that run WinME are usually capable to run Windows2000.
Windows 2000 is much much better then Windows ME so if you can afford it
switch the OS.
Jack (MVP-Networking).

"Guv Bob" <brotherdave@bigfootYEOOOOOW.com> wrote in message
news:iuxVj.5632$%X1.4878@trnddc08...
I just picked up an old laptop with ME on it, and a Linksys wireless card.
I installed a garden variety firewall and virus filter, and added a password
to the log in screen.

Being a paranoid (what was that??) feller... what else would I need to keep
others from accessing my computer when using it at Starbucks or other hot
spot?

Thanks!

Bob