Hi Susan,
Until I got broadband access I was in the same situation as you, dial up with 2nd phone line. There were times that I would stay connected for days. I didn't think that I needed a firewall until I had a significant amount of personal info compromised. Whether you have an always on connection or a dial up that you never sign off of your vulnerability is the same. I will never connect again without a firewall or some sort of security. Personally I am using Zone Alarm and I am satisfied with its performance. It logs attempts to access your computer from the net and I was surprised as to how much of it that goes on. Most of it is harmless but from previous experience, you can't be to cautious.
HTH
Rob

----- Original Message -----
 -snip- 
 I sign on Friday afternoon and stay connected until Monday morning.
 Do I need a firewall or some kind of internet security program? 
-snip-
Thank you,
Susan Hays

      

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