Steven, great info. One thing to add is that Windows XP has a built in Firewall. It's turned off by default, but can be turned on and works. Though if you have multiple computers on the same network and you share files it doesn't work so well. The new Service Pack for Windows XP coming out this year it will be turned on by default and doesn't cause problems with file sharing. Thanks, Mike ---------------------------- X-Message: #3 Date: Mon, 3 May 2004 21:12:32 -0400 From: "Steven Coker" <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Message-Id: <[email protected]> Subject: Safe Computing Guidelines Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit BASIC SAFE COMPUTING GUIDELINES by Steve Coker, Forum Manager May 2004 1. ALWAYS USE A FIREWALL. Last year I ignored this rule for 10-20 minutes and it burned me. I was setting up a new computer and didn't install the Firewall before connecting to the Internet to download program updates. In the short time I was online without Firewall protection, two malicious worm programs got into my computer. I had to wipe the computer clean and reinstall everything. NEVER NEVER NEVER connect to the internet without a Firewall. I recommend ZoneAlarm (http://www.zonelabs.com/). Configure it for High security. You can learn how to customize program and privacy settings if high security blocks certain programs or web sites you need to use. Your online safety is worth the minor hassle of figuring out how to "tweak" the Firewall settings. REGULARLY UPDATE FIREWALL SOFTWARE. Open ZoneAlarm, click on the OVERVIEW menu, then click on the PREFERENCES tab. Make sure that AUTOMATICALLY check for updates is turned on. Click on the "Check for Updates" button to confirm latest version is installed. _________________________________________________________________ Getting married? Find tips, tools and the latest trends at MSN Life Events. http://lifeevents.msn.com/category.aspx?cid=married