cable internet and computer bugs

[GoLowDrew]

I have cable internet, so it's "always on" when my PC is on.QuestionI can not get computer virus, or spyware if I don't launch IE.True or False.If false, what should I be doing when I don't need the internet?TIA

[millster]

False.You should have a firewall (either hardware connected between your modem and computer or software like ZoneAlarm), an antivirus program, and always do your Windows Updates.

[Kari]

Or one could buy a Mac...heh. Or a router...that seems to be working pretty well for my parents to keep things to a minimum, at least according to the programs I've run on it to check for spyware and such.

[jimincalif]

Agree with Millster, there are viruses looking for unprotected systems and can infect them without IE running. I suggest using an ethernet router that uses NAT (network address translation) between the cable modem and your computer, even if you don't have any other computers to network together. With NAT, the router assigns your computer a local IP address that is not visible to the outside world. Some of these routers are also hardware-based firewalls which are even better.

[GoLowDrew]

Can I set my Win XP or IE where it is NOT "always on?" Or is there something I can disconnect, without unplug the ethernet cable?Yes, I do have Norton now. But some said that it's a memory hog, and that I should turn it off.

[millster]

No. The only way to keep yourself safe by turning it off or unplugging it is to never turn it on or plug it in. Once the machine is on and connected whether it's actively being used or not, it's vulnerable.Norton IS a memory hog but I don't recommend getting rid of it. Running without an AV on a Windows machine is a death sentence.

[GoLowDrew]

Currently I have Norton AV, but there is also a Norton Internet Security. Is "more" protection always better in your opinion?

[joatmon]

Quote, originally posted by Kari »Or one could buy a Mac...heh. i don't know about that, http://www.technewsworld.com/story/49061.html says the Leap-A trojan has infected 90% of OS-X users:Quote »Symantec says the program has spread to only a "handful" of users, perhaps numbering in the hundreds.

[millster]

In the case of Norton, I'm going to say yes and no. Yes, more protection is always better. However, Norton products are huge resource hogs. Especially Norton Internet Security.

[zionzr2]

in my case i have a hardware firewall (router)and software firewall. Also run antivirus and antispyware....I am as safe as I can be! Does that mean I'm TOTALY SAFE?? NO!! The only safe is not to use your computer at all.

[jimincalif]

Norton is a huge resource hog, I am running it on my home computer and it is r e a l l y s l o w. In the last week I've installed Bitdefender on two of my kids' computers, so far I really like it and it seems to impose very little overhead on the system. Their version 9 standard is like $30 or so and they have a 30 day free trial.http://www.bitdefender.com/ (no affiliation here, I just like it.)IMO if you run behind a router or hardware firewall, run an AV program and regularly scan for spyware you should be good to go and don't need to run software firewalls or other "internet security" systems that consume system resources. I've had dsl at home for 3 years and not yet been infected.

[scherry2]

Quote, originally posted by jimincalif »Norton is a huge resource hog, I am running it on my home computer and it is r e a l l y s l o w. I have a router and windows firewall. also I have norton systemworks and antivirus. I don't understand what you mean by resource hog? my system isnt slow, but I don't have norton running the programs (windoctor, optimization ect) once a second either. explain please?

[northvibe]

ok, mac vs pc the computer no matter WHAT it is running os X, linux or windows is only as safe as the USER makes it. the only reason mac's/linux/unix is safer is because there arent many virus/trojans out and they get patched/updated fast. Also the community looking out for linux/os X is helpful and they like to find holes to patch/report. then theres windows which people like to hate and LOVE writing malicious code for....so yea windows users have to protect themselves a lot more. If you want a lot of protection get a hardware firewall (router or a linux box) and a software one. the windows one is ok, nothing special but ones like blackice etc. are better. Symantec norton products do seem to be resource hogs compared to some other company's stuff, except symantec corp. version antivirus and firewall run really light. Also you have to configure the firewalls not just start them. block ports etc. and only open ones that you use (port forwarding). there are windows viruses that just get on your pc if you dont have the right windows update and are online but most seem to spread through email so if you use something like outlook make sure your AV app scans emails. moral of this rant, update windows and AV client ALL the time

[GoLowDrew]

dumb question. Software Firewalls (like the ones in Norton Internet Security) I have a picture of a brick wall. Or do they need to be updated like AV program?

[Jahntassa]

The software firewalls need to be upgraded because there are always new threats.Hardware firewalls need occaisional upgrades, but not as often, as they simply prevent intrusion.

[JustinVGT]

Check out this link: http://www.techsupportalert.co...s.htm You can get some excellent free antivirus and firewall software plus many other great utilities. I used Norton for years, but it slowed my PCs down which I didn't notice until just a few months ago when I changed over to AVG antivirus and Kerio firewall. Plus keep some good spyware protection on your PC as well. Just check out that link, he describes each program and makes great recommendations.

[jimincalif]

Quote, originally posted by scherry2 »I don't understand what you mean by resource hog? my system isnt slow, but I don't have norton running the programs (windoctor, optimization ect) once a second either. explain please?I can't quote you statistics, but on my home computer I uninstalled an older version of Norton before installing a new one, and inbetween I played with the computer a bit, opening and closing some Word and Excel files, switching between two logged in users, etc. It was like a new computer. AFter reinstalling Norton it became slow again.On our family room computer, my son could not get a network game to play properly between it and my other son's computer. The system well exceeds the minimum system requirements for the game. Uninstalled Norton and the game runs great. Installed Bitdefender and the game still runs well.

[scherry2]

thank you. I don't have problems with long opening time of programs except for norton systemworks. it takes forever to open. might have to try the computer with norton shut down to see if there is a difference

[vibebob]

one of the things you'll need to do with a router is go into it and change the default settings, such as login name, password and security settings. This is especially true if you use a wireless router. you MUST go into the router settings and TURN ON ENCRIPTING, usually it is set to by default. This will help prevent someone driving by your home and tapping into your computer and/or neighbors from using your network to get online.