Hi Regina;

    I would suggest that it depends somewhat on your computing habits and 
your knowledge concerning malware. People who are more apt to go to 
lesser-known web sites, download via Peer-to-Peer networks and open 
attachments of a riskier nature (like one of my siblings) are far more 
vulnerable than those who do none of the above (like my mother). However, 
from what you have stated you are following the minimum standards and should 
be very well protected.

    The only issue you don't address is whether you have XP updated and how 
you keep it so. Automatic Updates are most suitable for those of lesser 
computer knowledge, while others might want to wait to see how the updates 
fare. The setting I use informs me about available updates, but gives me the 
option of when to install them. I usually wait for my Windows Secrets 
newsletter before deciding, but that, in my opinion, is not suited for the 
typical user and I would suggest that Automatic should be the standard for 
most.

    Updates for program such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, Java, Shockwave, 
Firefox, Office, etc. are also usually very important. Many of those 
programs have automatic updating (running in the background) that will 
advise you when updates are available. You could check the websites of those 
programs you have installed to determine what you should do to ensure you 
have the latest security updates.

    You can test the effectiveness of Zonealarm or any firewall by going to 
Steve Gibson's site here;

www.grc.com

and running Shield's Up. (Click on the link, click on Shield's Up, and then 
scroll down the next page to find it again.) He also provides a great deal 
of information and other security tips.

    If you are very concerned about the security of your computer, you could 
also consider adding a hardware firewall in the form of a router (wireless 
or wired). This is not typically a necessity, but if you leave your computer 
on 24/7 and have sensitive data on your computer, it would be a reasonable 
precaution to take.

    Also keep in mind that if you do have sensitive data to protect, that 
you are liable to those who may be harmed if that data is ever stolen. I 
have a friend who routinely has data of a highly personal nature that she 
accesses via the internet as well as places on her computer. She had been 
following minimal safety standards, but I had thought it best that she 
install a router to "cover all bases." A few months later the company she 
works for insisted on it.

    Also, if you do buy a wireless router be prepared for more security 
issues, unless you turn the wireless signal off. Perhaps the stuff of a 
separate thread. Good luck.

Bill


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Reggkay" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, October 08, 2007 12:30 AM
Subject: [PCSOFT] Am I safe?


> Hi,
> I just got high speed internet that is always on.  What can I do to 
> protect my computer?  I have Zone alarm and Avast running.  I do weekly 
> spyware checks with Ad-aware, spy-bot, and spyware blaster.  Anything else 
> I should be doing?
> Using:  Windows XP, Thunderbird, and Internet explorer.
> Regina Long
>
>             PCSOFT maintains many useful files for download
>                     visit our download web page at:
>                  http://freepctech.com/downloads.shtml 

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