Originally posted by FOGOLD
Is that true? I had always asumed that if you were online even if you wern't doing anything, people were scanning for your system and would find it and infect it without you doing anything?
This is true. If you are "always on" ie cable connection you can be scanned.
But keep in mind most crackers are looking for computers with important docs ie buissness, govt agencies etc.
They really arent looking for u or me.
Most attacks the normal user will see are ghost pings from websites that you have connected too (they check to see if your still connected)
programs thay self update will access the internet looking for updates etc.
Good firewall Zone alarm.
You can get it for free and it always gets updated.
You can set program prefrences to allow them to connect or make them get your permisssion.
AV programs I use Norton AV. keep it updated and scan often.
Use programs like adaware, Sbybot Search and Destroy and run often.
I also use Aluria when I'm browsing the net
http://www.aluriasoftware.com/homeproducts/Also something I find usefull to do is create restore points in your XP system restore program.
If you run into trouble you can go back to a good system point.
Now as far as the SP2 question..... I had installed it but I dont like the way it trys to make you do certian things. (I uninstalled it)
If you just surf smart, take precautions you should be ok
Anyway its safe but up to you.
