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DSL question

Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 10:59 am
by azsnowman
WELP....we're *thinking* about getting DSL, Cable One has a deal going, 349 cable channels PLUS DSL for 89$ a month, NOW......the question, with DSL being on 24/7's, what's the chances of someone hacking into my computer? I've got Norton 2005, Windows Firewall, SpyBlaster.

Dennis :?:

Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 11:04 am
by mf_dolphin
Having a firewall is a good start but the real trick is making sure it's configured correctly. :-) I would go ahead and take the plunge Dennis. I've been on cable/DSL for 4 years now and have never had a problem with hacking. E-mail virus threats are still the biggest source of problems for most people. JMHO

Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 11:19 am
by GulfBreezer
Hey Dennis! I have had DSL for a very long time and LOVE IT!! Will never go back to dial up EVER!! Here is what I do, I have a firewall, but I also disconnect it when I am not using the internet. I also turn my computer off at night. I have never had a prob with hacking since I have had it but I also have many security features.

Hope this helps.
(((((((((((hugs to you and Michele))))))))))))


Did you get my PM????

Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 12:19 pm
by weatherlover427
I have never been hacked since I got broadband. *knocks on wood* The only thing I have had is a bit of spyware (mostly my fault :oops: ) and a few viruses. All you really need is a firewall, anti-virus program, and maybe an anti-spyware program (which if you run it every so often will help your computer run faster) and you'll be set!

Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 12:42 pm
by Brent
We've had cable internet for 2 years now and I swear I'm NEVER EVER EVER going back to dial-up. It's the best computer investment(besides the computer itself) we've ever made. WELL WORTH IT! No tying up the phone line, and not to mention it's 1,000 times faster.

GET IT!!!

As long as you've got some good virus protection, you'll be fine. Make sure it's continually updated and scans frequently.

Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 1:04 pm
by coriolis
Yep, what they said.

I've been on cable now for about 2 years, and with a firewall (zone alarm) antivirus (mcafee) and spyware removal tools (spybot and adaware) we keep running well.

I should get software that stops spyware from being installed in the first place. I know that you can buy upgraded versions of adaware and spybot that will do that.

I just acquired another used computer from a person who used it on cable without the above protections. It had 600+ spyware components and 1 virus. (the cable company scans email for viruses). Her computer was practically a zombie, but it cleaned up pretty well.

The best part of cable is that I can go to ebay and outbid someone 2 seconds before the auction ends.

Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 1:18 pm
by HurricaneGirl
coriolis wrote:The best part of cable is that I can go to ebay and outbid someone 2 seconds before the auction ends.

Sounds like my husband! :lol:

Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 3:02 pm
by depotoo
i have dsl as well and love it! be certain when you are not surfing to stop all internet activity with your firewall program otherwise they can get in.
i have had mine hacked and my sons and the only reason i found out was cause my zonealarm caught it - one of my kids had turned it off when they couldn't get into a site they needed! don't take it for granted, anyone that you are always safe. we had a mess getting his back running properly - they were using his as a gateway - he had failed to download zonealarm after his mcaffee expired. mine was easier since i had zonealarm and learned to never leave it on or exposed at any time without protection. there is an option with zonelarm right clicking the icon in your tray to stop all internet activity. when you return - just uncheck it! i have zonealarm suite and spybot.

Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 3:50 pm
by streetsoldier
Dennis,

The difference between dial-up and DSL is...well, like chasing a suspect in a car by running after him, vs. chasing him in a Maserati. :larrow:

Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 6:42 pm
by azsnowman
Well, from what I'm readin', I NEED to DO IT.....just waiting for PAYDAY now!

SANDI....HOW ARE YOU? No.....I did NOT receive your pm, resend it would ya?

Dennis 8-)

Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 7:25 pm
by Brent
azsnowman wrote:Well, from what I'm readin', I NEED to DO IT.....just waiting for PAYDAY now!


You'll be kicking yourself for not getting it earlier. :)