Hello all,

I  have had a cable modem for some time now and since my computer is on a
lot, and since whenever it is on, I am basically "on" the Internet, it
struck me that I might be vulnerable to malicious individuals who could gain
access to my system. The matter is made worse (I think) by the fact that my
cable provider has assigned me a static IP number. I assume this means that
anyone who learns my IP number might well be able to get into my computer
from the net.

Questions:

1) are the above assumptions true?

2) If so, I would like to consider some sort of personal firewall program
(i.e., for a stand-alone home PC) that will give me more security. Does
anyone have a recommendation. If I install such a program, how much hassle
does this create for me in uploading/downloading/emailing etc for the extra
security it brings?

Thanks in advance.

Michael

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Michael A. Wosnick
Richmond Hill, Ontario
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