Accessing the internet from potentially unsafe PCs

Imagine just being on a trip, and losing your laptop

[Habtom]

Imagine being on a certain trip and you just lost your laptop, and you need to access the internet for some quick fix right now. All you find is an internet cafe not far from your hotel.

What wouldyour first steps be? (you very well know you can't just afford to get your passwords stolen)

Run a virus/spyware check

Download a different browser (I can't tell why?)

...

[BeeDeeDubbleU]

Internet cafes are particularly vulnerable to viruses so the owners generally take maximum precautions to block them. They don't want their machines being down for any reason. It's not a good business model.

You will also find that downloading and installing software will be blocked on the machines in most Internet cafes.

I must say that I have used them on many occasions and never had any problems.

[topr8]

i've used internet cafes too without trouble.

and are they any less safe than using your own laptop on an open wireless connection anyway (or even plugged into a hotel ethernet?)

[King_Fisher]

Hab, Wondered where you were. You must be back from your grand tour!

Give us an update and fill us in on your trip!...KF

[vincevincevince]

1) Visit Google
2) Search for computer retailers in your current area
3) Travel to identified major retailer
4) Purchase new laptop
5) Continue your trip with a new laptop and continue kicking yourself for losing the old one

If that process is going to take too long:
1) Find a phone
2) Telephone a colleague or someone else trusted with technical expertise
3) Talk them through it

[Habtom]

i've used internet cafes too without trouble.

I am not still sure if you will be very safe with that. A single incident could probably change how one handles the issue from then on.

Wondered where you were

A bit of dream chasing, I will try to post as soon as I get all things straight :)