© Doug Partridge - All Rights Reserved

I admit it. I'm a bit paranoid, especially when it comes to "public" facilities. For example, an unfamiliar public restroom has my mind racing with thoughts of cleanliness ... and hoping someone enters as I'm exiting (so I don't actually have to touch anything).

The story I have to tell began two years ago while on vacation in Mexico. Rather than enjoy my surroundings, foolishly I felt need to "stay connected." I found nearest Internet Cafe. All was well until my tranquility was suddenly railroaded with an *overwhelming* sense of computer security-related fears.

Why?

As all public computers seem to be, this was a Windows computer. From my computer security background, I knew that Windows computers require several security tools and settings for thorough protection against numerous threats on Internet. "Out of box," a Windows computer is not in good security shape.

So, what ripped me out of my peaceful serenity was sudden realization that I didn't know how many, if any, security measures were applied to this particular computer. Really, when using public computers, how is anyone to know how protected they are?

Cleanliness aside, what exactly are dangers faced when using public computers?

Of course viruses are always a concern when using unfamiliar computers, but if I could pick one thing to highlight above rest, it's Spyware. If you're unfamiliar with Spyware, it's quickly becoming one of most menacing threats on Internet.

What does Spyware do? The less harmful varieties like Adware observe your web browsing activities and based on this deliver targeted advertising usually in form of web pop-ups and Spam.

The more serious forms of Spyware like "keyboard loggers" (programs that record everything you type) will sit quietly in background recording information about you. If you shop or bank online, this kind of Spyware is absolutely your worst enemy.

Public Internet computers are in no way immune to this threat. In fact, opposite is true.

Poker in cyberspace is perfect for anyone not having a poker face.

Johan Eriksson shows me his hand. A full house, queens full of jacks. There are 260 dollars in pot. Jack from Ohio just folded his hand, but Hans from Norway and Steven from Australia both called Johan's 20 dollar bet. He shows me his hand again. "Can't lose this one", he says for second time. A click on mouse and Johan is 320 dollar richer. He was correct , he couldn't lose that one.

We are neither in Las Vegas or in Atlantic City , but in a small one bedroom apartment in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The battle is fought on internet, where cyberspace is lightening up Johan's computer screen.

The online poker room is called Poker Stars, server is in Costa Rica somewhere, and players are from all over world.

When poker online started at end of nineties, it created mixed feelings amongst real time casino poker players. Some took view that it would damage real poker games in casinos by tempting regular customers to only play poker online. Others were fascinated that they could remain at home and play poker (in underwear) against real people from whole world.