When you are on your home network and have it configured as private on your computer, your PC is discoverable by other devices connected to the same network. So, in this case, the public Wi-Fi setting is more secure than the private one.
Public network (Recommended).
You should use this in most cases. Your PC will be hidden from other devices on the network. Therefore, you can't use your PC for file and printer sharing.
Connecting to a public Wi-Fi network is much less secure than a private network because it is unclear who else is connecting to the network or who set it up. This type of network is much easier for hackers to infiltrate and compromise your business data.
The Public/Private settings are counter-intuitive, both should be set to Public if you access the Internet on your PC, the Public setting is more secure for that use, the Private setting is really only suitable for a closed network you may use in your home or in business.
A public network is a type of network wherein anyone, namely the general public, has access and through it can connect to other networks or the Internet. This is in contrast to a private network, where restrictions and access rules are established in order to relegate access to a select few.
Important: For better privacy, leave Private Address turned on for all networks that support it.
A “your connection is not private” error means that your browser cannot determine with certainty that a website has safe encryption protocols in place to protect your device and data. You can bump into this error on any device connected to the internet — computer, smartphone, or tablet.
As mentioned, most of the time public hotspots aren't protected. Private WiFi networks, on the other hand, can be just as secure as cellular networks. Though, in some cases, they're still less reliable.
Disadvantage: Maintenance Costs
Private networks where one computer is connected to an external network can also require increased configuration and maintenance, because that computer has to use two IP addresses to communicate over the private network and with external networks.
Free public Wi-Fi contributes to a better-connected society and more agile interactions between citizens and businesses. Any mayor or government authority implementing this public service would see its popularity boosted immediately. Tourists and visitors on business trips would also find their stay more pleasant.
Benefits of a private wireless network
Private wireless networks provide the enhanced reliability, coverage, and security needed to power mission-critical applications and give you confidence in your operations.
Avoid conducting sensitive activities over public Wi‑Fi. As a rule, remember that unless you're connecting to an “https” site, anything you do over public Wi‑Fi is an easy target for snooping. Set your device to forget previously used Wi‑Fi networks, or just turn Wi‑Fi off when you're not using it.
Private network is able to protect critical information by using network isolation, data protection and equipment/user identification.
What this is actually referring to is your Wi-Fi network's “Network Profile”. When your Wi-Fi network's profile is set to “Public”, Windows prevents the device from being discoverable by other devices that are connected to the network.
Private IP address of a system is the IP address that is used to communicate within the same network. Using private IP data or information can be sent or received within the same network. Public IP address of a system is the IP address that is used to communicate outside the network.
It will use wifi if you are connected. when disconnected from wifi, cellular data will be use. You should disable cellular data if you do not sign up a data plan to get a bill shock. Both above answers are correct.
What is public Wi-Fi? Public Wi-Fi can be found in popular public places like airports, coffee shops, malls, restaurants, and hotels — and it allows you to access the Internet for free. These “hotspots” are so widespread and common that people frequently connect to them without thinking twice.
Unfortunately, using such public wifi networks can also pose a real security risk. For example, it might be possible that someone eavesdrops on your network traffic. Even when a key or password is used to connect to them, public wifi networks can be a security risk.
VPNs establish a protected connection, meaning no one can see what you are doing. So, for example, a WiFi router or Internet service provider only sees jumbled data when you're browsing on a VPN. Not only that, but with a VPN server, you can use IP addresses from other countries.
79% of home Wi-Fi networks use weak passwords and cybersecurity measures, leaving them vulnerable to cyber attacks. Hackers can hack your router, spy on your Wi-Fi connection, and even eavesdrop on your conversations.
“Your connection is not private” error messages usually mean a website's SSL certificate has expired, can't be authenticated, or is missing entirely.
You can use public Wi-Fi networks safely if you stick to networks you know, always visit https secure sites, turn off AirDrop and File Sharing, and even use a VPN. Public WiFi networks are convenient when you're away from home, but they can also leave you and your data at risk if you're not careful.
If you don't want people to know where you live or where you commonly access the Internet from, hiding your IP address is the best way to do it. Those four little numbers can let a savvy hacker track your every move, which is dangerous for any number of reasons.