John,

> > I was wondering if someone could recommend software for monitoring
> > malicious attempts to connect to my computer.


I am very pleased with Zonealarm by Zonelabs.  It's a Freeware app (for
personal use) and has been highly praised by several security "experts"
(what ever that means).  Check out their web site at  http://www.zonelabs.com/

Take Care

Gary

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