Firewall - is it essential? - Page 2

24-06-2003, 19:10

Quote:

Originally posted by tabatha
Hi...Again..I guess the test is in the trying..I also use AVG[free],no viruses to the best of my knowledge,keep it updated!!.Also use Mailwasher[again free],have done so for at least 3yrs,it handles my 6 NTL addresses and 1 other...Has the latest version changed things??

Hi tabatha

I think you're right that it's the latest version that only handles one account. I'm using pro version so can't tell.

Gaz

tabatha · 24-06-2003, 19:12

Quote:

Originally posted by ronald146m
Yes ... but in the nicest possible way.

From what I remember I think it told me that I was invisible - and that's all right by me.

Ron

Not a lot of help if `they can still see your comp!!

tabatha · 24-06-2003, 19:15

Hi Homealone..Cheers..it aint broke so I wont fix it.

ronald146m · 24-06-2003, 19:15

Quote:

Originally posted by tabatha
Not a lot of help if `they can still see your comp!!

Well, you know what I mean.

Ron

tabatha · 24-06-2003, 19:30

Hi r146m..Yes I knew..but an interesting thing happened..I got an email from co.uk team to say you had posted a reply,never happened before..are you `in the know`??!!

ronald146m · 24-06-2003, 19:47

Tab

I haven't done anything sinister.

Go to 'user cp' (at the top of this page)
Select 'Edit options'
Look at 'Use email notification by default' - this is probably set at 'yes', change it to 'no' if you don't want your inbox filling.

Ron

ps I've just checked my inbox and there's stuff there. I think that they have just put this function into operation.

Ramrod · 24-06-2003, 20:32

Mcafee firewall and av for me, just wish they Incorporated a pop-up killer as well

tabatha · 24-06-2003, 20:35

Hi r146m..Cheers for that..Why arn`t I that clever??Should save the postie a few journeys..
*sits back and wait for the other `deliberate mistakes`to appear*

cjll3 · 24-06-2003, 21:30

The record for breaking into an unprotected windows xp machine is 15 minutes from the cable being plugged in.

There are plenty of nasty people out there looking for unprotected machines, and they can be very persistant.

ianarc · 24-06-2003, 21:40

Hi
I'm using a Norton Anti-Virus, a cable router and Outpost from Agnitum - software firewall that has built in ad-blocker, pop-up blocker, DNS cache. There is a free version available for download.

Peter · 25-06-2003, 12:53

I haven't used a firewall ever nor do I plan to. As long as you disable the silly Windows features that open up specific entry points and have a virus scanner (Norton 2003 AV specifically) constantly running and checking emails and files you're about to open then you won't have any problems.

If you're on a home PC then there should be no need for a firewall unless someone is randomly opening attachments or "trying out" trojan software and viruses. If you're on a network, hosting games/services then maybe there is a need but most attempts to gain access to your PC will be by script kiddies looking for already-installed trojans and I doubt any real cracker would spend his time breaking into a home PC.

I run Adaware and Norton AV once or twice a week, I have a popup stopped and NAV running in the background and no problems and haven't had any, ever. Not suggesting I won't but it's highly unlikely.

Lord Nikon · 25-06-2003, 14:36

Quote:

Originally posted by cjll3
The record for breaking into an unprotected windows xp machine is 15 minutes from the cable being plugged in.

There are plenty of nasty people out there looking for unprotected machines, and they can be very persistant.

I know someone who managed it in 45 seconds.... Then again it IS his job to be able to do that lol...

He works in the US DoD but I cannot say more lol

With my system running Sygate he couldn't penetrate it at all, the only way he knew I was online was I was chatting to him from it on IRC. Him and his teams spent 3 days looking for vulnerabilities...

Xaccers · 25-06-2003, 14:48

Quote:

Originally posted by Peter
Not suggesting I won't but it's highly unlikely.

How do you know you haven't been hacked?

paulyoung666 · 25-06-2003, 16:44

Quote:

Originally posted by Xaccers
How do you know you haven't been hacked?

now theres a point , i suppose if you are a superior being then you might get away with it , but , caveman appears to be a newbie ( no offence mate ) so therefore he has come here to ask advice

deadite66 · 25-06-2003, 17:03

i didn't run a firewall and within a few days both my legs fell off, i always run a firewall now.