Author Topic: Help for an XP "virgin" - firewalls and auto update (Read 391 times)

Sparks · « **on:** September 20, 2003, 12:17:40 PM »

Well its like this - just got a new laptop with XP on it and its back to square one. So first questions.

1. I like Zonealarm and I'm used to it on my 98SE machine - can I put it on XP and what do I do with the native XP one ( I understand it has one but not found it yet.

2. Is it a good idea to use auto update on XP - guy in shop (who seemed half reasonable) said don't as he'd had 5 machines back screwed up because of it. Is it like 98 in that you can pick your updates??

Thanks

Sparks

214thCavalier · « **Reply #1 on:** September 20, 2003, 12:38:56 PM »

Sparks to access Xp,s Firewall go to control panel, network connections, then right click and select properties for the connection you use.
IE modem etc.
Under the advanced tab it will say internet connection firewall with a box to tick to enable it.

Zone alarm works fine on XP.

And currently its Zone alarm that i am using as i just cant be bothered to try and learn XP's.

Chairboy · « **Reply #2 on:** September 20, 2003, 03:02:00 PM »

ICF (the firewall built into XP) offers you as much protection as a perforated condom. Use a 3rd party firewall (like Norton or Zone), and don't forget to get antivirus too.

In regards to the 'tech' that said not to use Windows Update, ignore him and take your business elsewhere. All the people who got infected by Slammer and Blaster (and its variants) are the people who didn't run Windows Update regularilly, because MS had posted patches to those security holes weeks (and in some cases) months before those worms came out.

DAVENRINO · « **Reply #3 on:** September 20, 2003, 07:28:25 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Chairboy
In regards to the 'tech' that said not to use Windows Update, ignore him and take your business elsewhere.

I think he said "AUTO" update. I totally agree that auto-update sucks. It takes a ton of resourses and I want control of what is installed on my machines instead of leaving it up to Billy Gates. I do run Windows Update and Norton AV def updates daily. Auto-update is fine for those whom may not do the updates on their own.

DJ229 - AIR MAFIA

capt. apathy · « **Reply #4 on:** September 20, 2003, 08:04:00 PM »

I had a tech tell me the same thing. then I was having trouble with a video card, and he said not to install games and just get a nintendo.

I don't go to him anymore.

btw- I turn off the auto update and just check the update site every few days myself. I've installed most of the updates (except the ones for msmessenger (or others for aplications I don't use), and I've been running about 21 months without a format (only used restore points twice)

Sparks · « **Reply #5 on:** September 21, 2003, 05:12:44 AM »

Thanks for the help guys.

So where do I find the option to turn off auto update??

Maybe I'm getting old but I am really struggling with XP - Just doesn't seem as user freindly as 98 - stuff hidden everywhere and I can't put things where I want.

Sparks

maddog · « **Reply #6 on:** September 21, 2003, 10:50:03 AM »

disable auto update....... control panel > administration > services > go down to auto update and 1) disable.. 2) check (or uncheck) box that says start on reboot.... if you don't it will start again .....
same as win2k.....

capt. apathy · « **Reply #7 on:** September 21, 2003, 11:43:16 AM »

http://www.blkviper.com/WinXP/winxp.htm

check out this site. it will let you know what each of the options in the 'services' does, and which can be shut down safely. loads of other good xp info

vorticon · « **Reply #8 on:** September 21, 2003, 10:13:49 PM »

dont disable the "auto" update...you can just simply set it to warn you before downloading anything and before installing...that way you can read through what its giving you and make the desicion...

even if you do disable it visit windowsupdate.com at least once a week...the updates ARE IMPORTANT

capt. apathy · « **Reply #9 on:** September 22, 2003, 12:27:55 AM »

Quote

dont disable the "auto" update...you can just simply set it to warn you before downloading anything and before installing...that way you can read through what its giving you and make the desicion...

I agree that setting it to the 'aproval' setting will still give you the freedom to choose which updates you install, but auto update is still chewing up your resources.

I turned mine off and manually go to ms update at least once a week, and daily if there is a known threat (like the msblaster recently).

the only time I turn on auto update is if I'm leaving town for a few days (I'd rather not leave it upto the wife and kids to check updates)