From the Mailbag

Mason does not have Internet service at his apartment. Instead, he has been using free public wi-fi at his local library and McDonald's restaurants. He wants to know whether his browsing is private when he does this. No it is not. Whoever is providing the free wi-fi can monitor every Web site you visit and everything you do . . . unless you use https to encrypt it. Here's what I recommend:

(1) Since you are using the Google Chrome browser, download and install the HTTPS Everywhere extension. It will automatically encrypt your Web surfing whenever possible. This will not work on all Web sites. Just remember that whenever you see the padlock in the address bar, you are safe.

(2) I checked and it looks like Comcast is the only Internet Service Provider (ISP) in your area. Did you know that low-income households can qualify for low cost Internet service? Check out Comcast Internet Essentials. It costs $9.95 per month with no credit check, installation fee, or term contract and you get 10Mbps Internet service with wi-fi. That may be the best long-term solution to your problem.

Porsche does not own a computer. Her only way to access the Internet is with her iPhone and she wants to be able to print stuff out on her new HP printer. As far as I can see you have two options:

(1) Apple AirPrint

"Print photos, documents, emails, or webpages from your Apple iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch to most HP wireless printers using Apple AirPrint, a built-in printing solution for iOS devices."

(2) HP ePrint

"The HP ePrint App makes printing from your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch easy, whether you are at home, in the office, or on the go."