ok here's my situation. i recently bought a new computer and it's awesome. its fast and i'm definitely liking it. i also have an old computer that is pretty slow. i am wanting to get the internet at home. i am concerned about getting a virus, or something else that will mess up my new computer. would it be dumb to use my old computer for the internet, and use my new computer for games and my digital camera and stuff like that. or am i just being paranoid and it would be ok to use the internet on my new computer.

 

Your being paranoid. Its just a pc.

 

Spend a few dollars and go to Symantec and buy Norton Internet Security. Keep it running ALL THE TIME!!! There will be some videos/ games/ etc. from questionable sites that you will not be able to view, but keep in mind that adware/ spyware/ etc. can be hidden in stuff like that. I've been running NIS for over 3 years and have never gotten infected with a virus.

I also have Ad-Aware and run it once in a while to catch any tracking cookies (usually deposited by pop-up ads that sometimes get through my ad blocker). Fastclick.net is infamous for somehow programming their ads to bypass ad blockers.

 

i know, but i've messed up computers so bad before, you have no idea

 

will THIS keep my computer protected?

 

Smeezy, I hate to say it but that just sounds so "female"

 

if messing up computers sounds feminine then i guess i would be feminine, i am definitely not a "computer nerd"

 

Me neither, but I don't admit it!

 

Smeezy-
THe Norton Antivirus is very good, but NIS is better. NIS includes the Norton Antivirus plus a spam blocker and a more comprehensive firewall. The NIS takes a more proactive role as opposed to the Antivirus which basically just detects and isolates the crap after it's already in your computer.

This is just my opinion. But keep in mind that I still have not had a single virus in my computer in over 3 years, and I surf the 'net daily. I don't even watch TV, I'm online instead. I've heard several so-called 'experts' and self-proclaimed computer wizards talk about cleaning viruses off their computers on a regular basis. I don't have those worries. I screwed up one computer and learned my lesson. I surf smart and don't open suspicious stuff. And I keep my NIS turned on 24/7.

 

does it really matter?.....I thought we already established that the internet is non-existant in your neck of the woods....

 

thanks!

 

http://www.symantecstore.com/dr/sat2...P=0&CACHE_ID=0
Here's what I'd get. It's only $30 more than the basic antivirus.

 

I would go with Norton Internet Security, too. We have an always-on DSL connection and I wouldn't go online without anti-virus and a firewall. Having a router, even an inexpensive one, between you and the internet is alsow a good idea. For less than a hundred bucks, you can get one. Not only does it allow you to hook up more than one machine to your internet connection, but it also hides your IP address from anyone sniffing for systems connected to the 'net. NIS + a router would be a good investment.

I don't think it's paranoid to have a machine that isn't hooked up to the 'net, or that rarely is. It's especially not a bad idea if you have sensitive data (e.g., tax prep stuff, banking, etc.). Protecting yourself from people trying to get onto your system is getting harder and harder, even if you're cautious. Physically isolating your machine from the 'net, and connecting only when you need to (e.g., for updates) isn't a bad strategy, IMO.

 

If you get it...go buy it in the store or get the CD. The download sucks in case of a reinstall because you need to either pay for their re-download service or buy it again.

NIS is good but there is a bug wiht the spam and Outlook causing it to crash. I was helping their tech support troubleshoot it on my system with feedback until they finally said...we don't know....we'll get back to you.

I actually like the zonealarm firewall better and it is free.

 

I am quite contempt with the M$ firewall...at home...not work....

...plus...if you do end up getting broadband...you will most likely want to get some sort of router/switch...in which case will come with ample security features....but....beware of the email attachments...