Yes, there have been replies, but none that I've seen that actually answered the questions, and a few that were just smart ass responses. Your's is the first I've seen that's provided useful information. Thanks, Mike!
Shel > [Original Message] > From: mike wilson > Shel Belinkoff wrote: > > > It's been suggested that I install a fire wall, but I don't really know > > what one is or how they work. So, what's a fire wall, how does it work, > > what are the pros and cons of using one, and where can I get one? > > > > No doubt you have already had many replies. FWIW, I have used Zonealarm > (it's got a free version but it is not easily findable on the site) for > about four years now, which does the basic firewall thing of hiding your > computer from the internet and preventing unauthorised access to it from > outside. Even better, it will not allow programmes to access the > internet unless you authorise it. You would be suprised how may > installation programmes call home without you knowing about it. > Zonealarm tells you it is happening and you can allow it, or not. > > The downside of firewalls is that they have to install at startup, which > slows it and, with Zonealarm, you have to "teach" it which programmes > are allowed to access the net.
