Quest4Less said:
Now that I have WIFI capability I'm wondering... if I'm surfing at a coffee shop on their network - can they access my computer? Or see what it is I'm surfing?
Yes they can see exactly where you are surfing and much more if they want.
Depending upon their network architecture, they could have a packet sniffer watching for passwords , personal information etc, in addition to just the regular router logs.
You really know nothing about the network you are using or who has access to it at these hotspots. That 16 year old kid working part-time could easily be messing with the network.
I have been to hotels, where when I look into the office behind the front desk, I can see the router logs open on the screen.
If the wireless network is not properly configured with authentication and encryption, then other tech savy users of the network could be monitoring your connection also. If the routers configuration page password has not been changed from the default or even removed, then anyone in the place can view the logs.
If you have file sharing configured and drives or folders shared without password protection or encrypted file systems, then the guy next to you could be accessing your system.
So, how can you protect yourself so you are 100% safe? You can't.
You can use products like
NetStumbler to view the security properties of the wireless lan you are using.
You can use software firewalls (Zone Alarm, Outpost) to monitor incoming and outgoing connections.
You can disable file sharing, or use proper passwords (no names or dictionary words).
You can store your personal information in a non shared folder with encryption.
If you must use public hotspots, you could use a secure VPN, a secure proxy server, SSH, or only use https:// sites.
I am not saying that there are no secure wireless networks. I'm sure many are setup by qualified networking companies, with locked servers, regular password changes, and encryption. But most hotspots are probably managed the family "guru" or worse.