Question re: turning off antivirus & firewall

[FBScud]

I use End It All to clean up the computer before launching AH2.  I leave my antivirus software and firewall running, but no open web browsers or email is up.  If I close my antivirus program and turn off the firewall, will I be vulnerable to virus attacks while playing AH2?

I definitely have a lower end system for the game and I'd like to streamline it as much as possible.  But I'm really not interested in taking risks.  The game is playable now at the high performance, low quality settings.  Like most people here, I want to tweak it to get the most out of it.  

[Skuzzy]

If you are running Windows XP and have done all the security updates from Microsoft, and have everything shutdown, then you are safe to shutoff the anti-virus and firwewall to play Aces High.

[FBScud]

How about if you're running Windows ME?

[Skuzzy]

Tough call.  No support for ME any longer from Microsoft.

[FBScud]

Thanks for the info!  Now if I can only resist that urge to get a new computer.  No way will my existing system handle Windows XP and by the time I invest in additional ram (RDRam), I may as well buy a new pc.

[FOGOLD]

What Skuzzy says is true BUT remember to turn it all back on again!

[Roscoroo]

go here and test your online security

symantec security check

then check and see what is exposed to the internet .

All your ports should be closed or in stealth (the only open port that is still safe to have open is the "ping" port .

pay close attention to the netbios


one more note : this test will always Fail your Antivirous program (even when running there own AV program it fails)

but with the security check ok, a good pop up stopper ,antivirous program , and a spyware remover (such as lavasofts adaware) you can keep your pc safe .  (a firewall just tightens it down more but uses more resources and slows data up . unless its a good hardware type)