It’s in your airports, your coffee shops and your libraries: “Free Public WiFi.”

Despite its enticing name, the network, available in thousands of locations across the United States, does not actually provide access to the Internet. But like a virus, it has spread — and may even be lurking on your computer right now.

While not necessarily an immediate danger, it’s another message about being current with your operating system and applications for security purposes. The other consideration is providing for your users wifi needs when traveling. One option is the proliferation of choices available to cable subscribers as described in this article – Comcast Cuts The Wire. Locally AT&T offers this type of package for U-Verse or DSL/Wireless customers. This type of proactive effort will help limit the type of behavior leading to the scenario described in the NPR report.

As with all Microsoft software, there are some requirements: Operating System: Genuine Windows XP (Service Pack 2 or Service Pack 3); Windows Vista (Gold, Service Pack 1, or Service Pack 2); Windows 7

From the Microsoft Partner website that alerted me to this new model, the question of what to use for larger firms is addressed with the following:

Question: “If you are making this change to allow small businesses to utilize Microsoft Security Essentials on up to 10 PCs, what do you recommend companies with more than 10 PCs use?” Answer: If you operate a small business with more than 10 PCs, we recommend that you consider using the Forefront line products to address your security needs.

I don’t have experience with Forefront, many of my clients are already using other commercial options.