Good advice and a question (archive)

Its good advice Lars. I'd probably throw myself out my window if a virus wiped out my hard drive. Not that I would hurt myself. I live on the first floor.

The question I have is if there are any known problems with software firewalls?

regards
demet

Off topic,,, but important.

As a computer consultant, I can tell you that computer virus activity is at an all time high and climbing. Most viruses you become infected with do not come to you from the original source.

1) Do not run your computer without a good virus scanner. Personally, I prefer Norton, but McAfee and F-Prot are good.

2) Regularly run the live update to make sure you have a virus definition file that is current.... Norton is easiest in this area.

3) Make sure you have downloaded all the security patches for your browser and e-mail program. Outlook and Outlook Express as they came on your computer have major security holes, and the Microsoft site has easily downloadable security patches.

4) Using a less popular, but extremely capable mail utility, like Eudora or Pegasus, allows you to be less of a target. However, you need to check for security patches on all mail programs, including Netscape.

5) If you have a broadband internet connection (cablemodem, IDSN, or DSL) use at least a software firewall. Extremely popular is Zone Alarm as a free download. It is easily configurable. Also well written about is Black Ice Defender.

I have not mentioned any items that are not readily available if you search for them on the internet. Norton Antivirus (alone) is $40 or less. I do not believe in any of the suites, like Norton System Works. It does not make any sense to me, if you want your computer to operate efficiently, to load the memory up with monitoring software. That's like running your car with every option turned on and expecting a good 1/4 mile speed???

If anyone has any questions on this, I will be happy to respond.

If this is not appropriate, my apologies......

Follow Ups:

[ Follow Ups ] [ 7-series (E23) Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]

Questions, comments, or problems, please visit the Roadfly help desk.