Laptops and online banking?

I already have a savings and checking account, and I was just about to set up online accounts so I could check balances from home, etc.

I use a laptop when I'm online and my mom told me you shouldn't do that kind of stuff from a laptop.  I didn't think it would really matter since the site has the "https://" thing and my computer has firewalls, virus protection, etc.

Would you feel comfortable doing it from a laptop?  Is there any reason it would be better to do it from a PC?

I don't think it's using laptop that's a problem really, it's wireless internet. As long as you have your router protected and everything I think you should be fine. Also, make sure you have a good password on your computer in case your laptop gets stolen!

 

Agreed with pp. Nothing at all to do with a laptop, as desktops can also run off of wireless internet, just as laptops can be hard wired.  Just make sure your home internet connection is secure and it's just as safe as any connection.

Thank you!

Her PC is also on wireless, but it is secure, so I guess it doesn't make a difference =)

Her PC is also on wireless

LOL!

One thing of note, make sure not to "save" your online banking passwords in the website (or have IE "remember them").

If your laptop were stolen, it would suck to have that all unlocked.

But, barring that, it is secure.

fuzzys - is that not possible? haha..we have the router hooked up and she uses the same internet I do...I just meant it's not dial-up..I don't know all the terms I guess =P

deflep - It's definitely possible to have a desktop that uses a wireless connection (the idea is just laughable, because if you're willing to have such a huge machine one or two more cords doesn't really change your situation). A wireless device is basically a different type of network card that has a small antenna that will pick up wireless signals. Most desktops don't have those network cards installed (although almost all wireless cards I've heard of have the capability to act as cable cards). I hope that makes some sense.

Oh no, it's possible, I even said it in my previous post.  I just thought it was funny that she was warning you about the dangers of internet banking on a laptop - as if her PC was somehow safe on the same wireless connection... because it's bigger?

Ohhh haha...I was feeling really dumb there for a bit =P I was like, I should edit my post so I don't look so stupid!...but then their post won't make sense...ha!

Yeah she doesn't know as much about everything as she thinks..but she won't listen to a thing I say!  She has very silly reasoning on lots of things.

Original Post by decarswell:
 A wireless device is basically a different type of network card that has a small antenna that will pick up wireless signals. Most desktops don't have those network cards installed I hope that makes some sense.

Every PC in my home has a wireless network card because every PC in my home is on a wireless network. Only one of them is a laptop (two if my husband brings his work computer home). :x

ps def lep, your lolcat is one of my favourites ever. :)

No problems here and it's a wireless laptop I have

p0nda - Glad you like it! haha..I spent a whole day searching for a perfect one =D

Just make sure you clear the cache after each banking session. That way if your laptop comes up missing your information will be harder to find.

Oh ok, thanks for the advice!

I have all my browsers set to automatically clear EVERYTHING after I close them, and to not save any passwords or history or anything like that. 

Original Post by p0nda:

Original Post by decarswell:
 A wireless device is basically a different type of network card that has a small antenna that will pick up wireless signals. Most desktops don't have those network cards installed I hope that makes some sense.

Every PC in my home has a wireless network card because every PC in my home is on a wireless network. Only one of them is a laptop (two if my husband brings his work computer home). :x

ps def lep, your lolcat is one of my favourites ever. :)

I have the same setup in my apartment,  3 laptops, 3 Desktops.  That way, I only have one system and if anyone brings a laptop over they can just hop on the net (after I give them my password, of course!).

On the main topic, there is no reason to worry about security unless you have an unsecured wireless network, and even then it is going to be a real rarity that someone is sniffing wireless networks to steal bank passwords =).