Thread: annoying XP spam messages

Originally Posted by techm3

Unless you are really sure what you are doing I'd avoid installing a firewall, just disable the messaging service. I'm so sick of this con that the security industry has pulled on people. There is no need for a personal firewall. Crackers are not interested in your personal box. Worms, yes... but you avoid worms by keeping a patched box. On top of that software "firewalls" are just as bad as any other form of software even zonealarm was exploitable recently... point is if you don't know what a firewall is don't install it. Working at my previous job I can't remember how many times the customer service department walked over to IT with customer complaints of this and that not working on our website.... only because Joe Internet user was some *** hat that installed zone alarm because hackers were going to get his child pr0n or what ever he had... ended up blocking all sorts of **** and disabling java and cookies and got knows what else... bah </rant>

Seems like your company's website is exactly why I have a firewall

Expoitable, yes, but once the exploit is known it is usually patched. However, it's the users job to keep the patches up to date. Just like a car, to have it run properly you need regular maintenance. You can't expect it to keep running new like forever if you never change the oil.

I'd have to go along with Frodo and all the rest on that one. thank god for our firewall. If yours isn't working correctly read the manual, it will probably help. Home users still have programs like Quicken and others with which to keep track of their finances. That is ultimately "tasty" data to any unsavory individual.

You should be able to pick up an entry level router for less than $40, it's well worth the investment, even if you have to eat more ramen than usual for 2 weeks.