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New Internet Connection

Discussion in 'General Internet' started by maxmangion, 2005/08/01.

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  1. 2005/08/01
    maxmangion

    maxmangion Inactive Thread Starter

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    I have a stand alone PC which was never connected to the Internet, and now I decided that i will get an internet connection (cable) for this PC. Since i have never used this pc for Internet related tasks, i never bothered about installing a firewall, anti spyware utilities etc.

    Now, since i am getting this pc connected to the net, do you recommend that such software should be installed now (before the connection), or after i connect to the net for the first time (maybe the software will integrate better) ?

    Kindly note that this PC is running Win XP Pro.

    Thank You for any feedback.
     
    maxmangion,
    #1
  2. 2005/08/01
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    It is vital that you install a firewall and antivirus software before you connect to the Internet - it is quite possible to become infected within seconds of connecting without that protection.

    If you are running XP Pro SP 2 the Windows firewall should be on by default - in SP 1 it is off by default and should be turned on. The firewall in SP 2 is OK, that in SP 1 less effective, but neither protect outgoing from the PC.

    Good free firewall is ZoneAlarm - without their virus protection.

    Good free antivirus is AVG Free.
     
    PeteC,
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  4. 2005/08/01
    maxmangion

    maxmangion Inactive Thread Starter

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    Thank you for your reply. Is there a particular order which software should be installed first, i.e. the antivirus or firewall? As regards service packs, i have xp pro with service pack 1, and as you said it is turned off. However, i was thinking of using zone alarm, since xp firewall does not protect outbound traffic.

    Does this mean, that a pc just connected to the net, without opening any websites/applications/email etc can still be infected ?

    Thank You
     
    maxmangion,
    #3
  5. 2005/08/01
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    The order of installation is not important, but as ZoneAlarm will most likely query some of the actions of the antivirus I would install that first so that the firewall rules get set for that early on.
    If you are connected by cable - which is an 'always on' connection, it is possible.

    You may find this interesting ....

    http://www.symantec.com/region/reg_eu/resources/2005/article_2_6.html
     
    PeteC,
    #4
  6. 2005/08/01
    maxmangion

    maxmangion Inactive Thread Starter

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    Thank You for your help. Also thank you for the link, it was an interesting article.
     
    maxmangion,
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