Symantec Faces IRS Claims For $1 Billion In Back Taxes

Dow Jones News Service (excerpt) ^ | April 17, 2006 | Michael Paige

[Kokojmudd]

I had a virus and made the mistake of installing norton. One refomatted hard drive later it is gone.

[Toby06]

What is a firewall? :)

I have nothing at home. Know of a good free one?

[upchuck]

Simply put, a firewall prevents unauthorized communication to and from your computer.

Microsoft added a Windows firewall to Windows XP, Service Pack 2. But it protects against only incoming data. You also need to protect against outgoing data as well.

Everything you need to know about a firewall.

My personal choice is Kerio.

Here's the manual.

Like AVG, the Kerio Personal Firewall is free.

If you want to check how vulnerable your computer is, go here and run Steve Gibson's excellent Shields Up utility.

And as long as we're discussing computer security, what are you doing to protect your computer from Spyware?

[Toby06]

I use spybot and adaware, but the only catch stuff after the fact. I update definitions fairly regularly.

I have a very limited net circle of sites I go to, but my kid is all over the place. Some scary stuff out there!

[upchuck]

Spybot and Adaware are both excellent products. I use them both.

But you're right, they can prevent damage only after the fact.

The firewall can help prevent bad stuff from being put on your computer in the first place.

Kids love the Internet. And the spammers and hackers know this. Extra vigilence is needed. In the past, some of the more popular peer-to-peer software was loaded with spyware, keyloggers, etc.

Better safe than sorry.

FWIW, I have worked on computers that were so infected with viruses, spyware, ad popups, keyloggers and other nasty stuff that the computer would barely run.

Preventative and defensive maintenance is the only way to go.

[Toby06]

Appreciate the help bigtime. I have some work to do tonight!

[upchuck]

You're welcome.

The GRC site is awesome! Steve has some wonderful tools you can use. The goal is to make your computer stealthy so it can't be seen by the bad guys. This is very doable.

Drop me a FReepmail if I can help further.