I figure there may be some internet savvy people on the forum who understand privacy. Next month I go to Russia for a couple of months. I will have internet access in the hotel as well as at work. How concerned should I be about internet ( email and websites ) privacy? If I were to set up a VPN on a Linux PC at home, would that be a way to safely surf? How paranoid should I be?

In terms of email, I could access it via the work internet. It is a VPN to the US if that helps. A friend suggested creating a 2nd gmail account and forwarding my main account to that account to prevent spamming on my main account.

In terms of websites I am not going to access porn or gamble online. Should I be concerned about Facebook? I do like to get my myVegas fix in to earn my points. But also, friends want to see updates on my trip. Again, maybe work is safer for that rather than the hotel. I'm smart enough not to criticize the government or country on FB.

I do go to gambling related websites, such as this one. Should I be concerned? I go to a couple of men's movement type sites, self help type stuff, where men talk rather personal.

Any advice is appreciated.