Hulda wrote:
>In spite of my having Zone Alarm and=
>  I just signed up for the free 15 day trial of the paid version>>


Many people have a misconception of the functions of a firewall. Just 
because you have a firewall running, it doesn't mean that your computer is 
fully protected. Other measures are necessary.

Once you have given your firewall permission for your browser, and other 
programs such as Messenger and your emailer, to access the internet, then 
anything coming in via that program will generally be allowed by the 
firewall. It is common for malware to piggyback into your computer via 
software you may download through your browser (eg free screensavers, 
fonts, cards) or from bad websites via your browser. Problem is, these 
sites usually look very genuine, so it's hard to tell the good from the bad.

You click on a link in what seems a genuine email from your Bank, and go to 
what appears to be your Bank website. Problem is, the site belongs to some 
foreign gentleman (or woman) who is delighted to secretly probe your 
computer for your bankcard details, passwords, etc.

It is the purpose of active Antispyware programs such as ZA Pro, Defender, 
etc to catch these nasties. And, of course, such antispyware is only as 
good as its latest database updates. It is NOT the function of a basic 
firewall to do so.  though many firewalls do have an additional 
anti-spyware function, but usually only in the paid version. These will 
also monitor suspicious behaviour.

The Gibson site used to have a utility for closing vulnerable ports---I 
don't know if it's still there. (But you might lose Messenger in the 
process, as I think it accesses one of the vulnerable ports).

I still think the most likely cause of your problems, other than the 
physical limitations of Satellite connections, is that your computer may 
have already been compromised by malware.

Don Penlington











 From the Beach at Surfers Paradise in sunny Queensland.
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