Resolved Networking Public/Private and Setup Questions

I have recently purchased my 1st laptop and Wireless N router. In a home environment

I have sucessfully networked my Desktop (wired to router and using Vista HP) with the laptop wirelessly running Windows 7 HP. I am using a private network setting, WPA encryption, strong! passwords on the Desktop the Laptop and the Router and permit sharing of all.

I wish to use my Laptop for internet and mail access while travelling at public hotspots from time to time.

Question: Should I change from private to public on my laptop, and if so how would one create a shortcut to switch back and forth? Should there be other settings changed also to provide a reasonable security level?

Thankyou

 

I find it strange that nobody has replied !! Some possibilities cross my mind.
1) The questions are not understood
2) Nobody knows the answer
3)How could I be so naive
4)I didnt sound friendly
Any comments ??

 

Thankyou Arie...... I believe that does answer the question. I didnt realize that an interactive session would start when connecting to a different network.

I notice you are based in Malta, what an interesting place. We stopped there on a cruise a few years ago.