Virus risk - connecting to net for the first time in ages

[PhillT]

Howdy,
I'm about to get home internet for the first time in about two years, due to lots of moving about until now. However, I'm concerned that when I get online again, I'll be very vulnerable to attack until I get my firewall and virus software updates downloaded - probably half an hour or so.
Am I worrying about nothing, or is there a best way to go about this?

[Podie]

Stick your firewall up to the top setting... that way it'll ask you every time you want to do something. Drop it to normal when you've got your updates.

[twister]

Or head for the newsagents and look for a PC mag with a recent set of security tools on the coverdisc...

[shocker-z]

there wont be many firewall updates there not like AV where they use definitions and so on so you should be fine mate. If you have XP SP2 just make sure windows firewall is on and you will be fine mate

I remember back in the day when i ran 2000 advanced server directly on internet with no AV aor firewall and came to do virus scan after a year and a bit and didn't have 1 single issue! Be lucky if the bugger booted after 1 week directly on the net now days!


Trust me im an engineer

oh and even better

Trust me my dad's a policeman!

lol


Liam

[annodomini2]

As long as your not planning on surfing any porn or 'free' software sites you should be fine.

Just log on, go to AV website and get latest updates, then Firewall.

[PhillT]

Cheers guys,
I'm running Win2000 Pro, and it was all up to date SP-wise until I went offline. Sounds like I'll be ok then.

[digga951]

Why not use your work/friends PC to get the latest AV / firewall updates/programs, install them on your home PC, then connect to the net? I'm sure someone could borrow you a USB key with the updates on, or burn them onto a CD for you.

[rameshuk]

there are a multitude of security concerns.

The fact remains. If your on broadband you are at risk within minutes of connecting.

When windows needs a security update not everyone downloads it.

So if your connecting a windows machine, there are updates for:
MSN Messenger,
Internet Explorer
Excel
Outlook
...

Best bet is to make sure you have Norton Security and a hardware firewall. Make sure your installing Win XP SP2 at least. Download all drivers for your hardware on to a USB pen or blank CD/DVD first. Then you can connect when youre all secure.

There is no such thing as a free lunch. Free virus checkers are not that effect in my opinion.

Norton does use more system resources (CPU/RAM) but is quite good at what it does.


One more thing. Do not surf as using the administrator account. Create another user and use that for most of your web browsing and email. Keep the admin account only for system tasks and installing programs/utils.

R

Good Luck.

[CommanderJameson]

rameshuk said:

There is no such thing as a free lunch. Free virus checkers are not that effect in my opinion.

Norton does use more system resources (CPU/RAM) but is quite good at what it does.

Flippin' 'eck. How much do you have to dislike a chap in order to recommend Norton to him?

AVG is more than enough antivirus for a home user, and has the bonus feature of not raping your machine into the ground with things that are designed to periodically hoover your wallet.

[countryboy]

As long as your firewall is working (and switched on) then there won't be any risk of your computer getting attacked on its own.

But obviously it would be wise to update your virus scanner/windows updates ASAP too.

[rameshuk]

My friend had AVG(free version). We found three viruses when he bought Norton.

Maybe a free virus checker for a PC used just for gaming is fine.
But home users now bank & shop online. You pay your money you make your choice.

A friend of mine has a Computer business in London.
Without free virus checkers he would not be so busy !


Security is important.

R

If you've read this far and do not mind Norton....

Tip:
Disconnect from the net(pull the cable out) and remove previous version of Norton first.
Reboot then install the new version.

[shocker-z]

even better just get a cheapo router and vala you have firewall that will block port scans from the machine, then the only virus you can get is one that you click on to get..



Liam