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Thread ID: 69861	2006-06-14 12:06:00	taking the pc to the net for the first time.	rob_on_guitar (4196)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
463071	2006-06-14 12:06:00	OK another querie for tonight..... I just bought a pc (I have 3 all up) that is a stock standard xp. It is 2 years old, never been on the net and has no antivirus. Im a bit hesitant to put it on the net, so I've installed an antivirus that was last updated in march (i know, not really what I wanted) and done a full scan etc. It seems sweet but am I going to get smashed by viruses and the like when I connect it? Just curious.	rob_on_guitar (4196)
463072	2006-06-14 12:27:00	Use one of your other computers to download Zone Alarm Firewall and install it before you go on, especially if you only have SP1. Get it up to date on Windows update or by going here, you must have SP2 on before you can use this: www.neowin.net You need the Full version. Be aware that there is soon to be the June update available in the next few days although you can then get update for June alone rather than the whole lot if you already have the AutoPatcher XP May 2006 which will have all the rest on it. You could use uTorrent to get it via torrents. If you go onto the net without a decent Firewall you only have yourself to blame, not joking. 15 secs before you are infected, without a Firewall. Almost forgot, don't use Internet Explorer, use Firefox or Opera.	zqwerty (97)
463073	2006-06-14 20:47:00	And install some antispyware as well.	pctek (84)
463074	2006-06-14 21:16:00	Yes good idea load on Zonealarm or remove half your ram, has a similar effect. ZA is a piece of crap has issues port forwarding and interferes with many P2P programs. Its the noobs firewall for people that have tried nothing else. There are many better free firewalls, try Outpost. Can't believe people still recommed ZA, talk about the blind leading the blind!	Master_Frost (9951)
463075	2006-06-14 21:18:00	I've installed an antivirus that was last updated in march Anti Virus programs have an update feature, so use this to get the most recent virus protection. IMHO, don't bother with MS SP2 or do it later, or never. It can cause problems - see other threads here on PF1. Zone Alarm, Spybot, AdAware, and an AV will do fine.	Rutherford (10399)
463076	2006-06-14 21:23:00	Yes good idea load on Zonealarm or remove half your ram, has a similar effect. ZA is a piece of crap has issues port forwarding and interferes with many P2P programs. Its the noobs firewall for people that have tried nothing else. There are many better free firewalls, try Outpost. Can't believe people still recommed ZA, talk about the blind leading the blind! Thanks for this. I am always looking for better software, especially if free. But I have no problems with ZA. Half RAM? I doubt it. Are there independent tests that show Outpost is better, or are you just giving your personal opinions?	Rutherford (10399)
463077	2006-06-14 22:35:00	gidday, Installing sp2 security update, would be a start I think, from there activate xp's firewall, (not the best kid on the block . but it should keep you safe hopefully) until you install an antivirus system, AVG or avast are two pretty good freebies . Uninstall any other antivirus system you may have before you install the above . If you have dailup you may find automatic updates a bit of a pain, with constant downloads at first, so changing this is also an option . good luck, Robby	Robby (3123)
463078	2006-06-14 23:44:00	... If you go onto the net without a decent Firewall you only have yourself to blame, not joking. 15 secs before you are infected, without a Firewall. Almost forgot, don't use Internet Explorer, use Firefox or Opera. Disagree. I've been using the Internet for about 10 years now without any 'decent Firewall' (other than xp's built-in firewall) and my computer is as healthy as it should be. Of course I have my antivirus program installed. I would say having an Antivirus program installed is essential rather than a Firewall! Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that one should not install a Firewall, it's nice to have but is not 'that' essential, though. Internet Explorer is not that bad as some people thought so, as compared to Firefox. It's OK to use IE for general Internet surfing. I think it's a matter of personal preferrence. Cheers	bk T (215)
463079	2006-06-15 00:37:00	Thanks for this. I am always looking for better software, especially if free. But I have no problems with ZA. Half RAM? I doubt it. Are there independent tests that show Outpost is better, or are you just giving your personal opinions? I have tested ZA many times over the years, so very much my personal opinion. Adding to this nearly every person I know that has used ZA have ditched it due to performance overheads and problems. ZA always gets good reviews, but they never seem to take into account the performance impact and P2P testing etc, so in my personal opinion those sorts of reviews aren't worth a pinch of salt. best advice, Test different firewalls yourself, you will ditch ZA in a heart beat.	Master_Frost (9951)
463080	2006-06-15 00:57:00	Thanks for this. I am always looking for better software, especially if free. But I have no problems with ZA. Half RAM? I doubt it. Are there independent tests that show Outpost is better, or are you just giving your personal opinions? I run ZA Pro. Have been for the last couple of years. Have no problems with it. Works fine if yiu set it up correctly just like any othe program. I also run P2P programs with no problems. Remember I'm running the Pro version which you pay for not the freeware version where some functions you can't use unless you upgrade. Trevor :)	Trev (427)
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