Internet Safety: How do I keep my computer safe on the internet?

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Hi Leo, My boss' computer has a HUGE problem. Whenever we attempt to open explorer, my computer, or basically anything that was pre-installed we get the message "Explorer.exe has generated errors and will be closed by windows." We have no idea and other forums are pretty stumped. Maybe it's spyware, we don't know. Any help would be appreciated!

Collin

If you can, I'd start by trying to run the system file checker (http://ask-leo.com/what_is_the_system_file_checker_and_how_do_i_run_it.html), booting in safe mode, if needed, to run it.

I currently have Symantic & Norton for computer security. The files have grown so large they are causing "glitching" problems. I want to replace all the internet security's I would need and also having control overy the updates required. IE: I do not use the parental control programs, yet Nortons automatically downloads large files for this function, so I do not need these updates.
I need to know what programs I should be looking at.

Are music downloading prgrammes a really bd idea? WE seem to always have viruses on our computer after we've used it (MP3 downloading). Also Our firewall (ZoneAlarm) under prgramme control it has Access and Server columns, I don't know which programmes to make trused and which to allow?

It depends on the program. The file sharing programs like Kazaa seem to be the most problematic.

Best setup:
Router + Software Firewall + Antivirus + AdAware SE

None of this is provided by Microsoft. Even the Software Firewall works, but try Norton or Zone Alarm.

I recommend Norton across the board. They have saved me a few times; a virus comes out in the morning and they have an update specifically for it that afternoon!

Router: Make sure it's a router and not just a 'switch'.

Ad-Aware SE: Available at www.lavasoftusa.com

I hate spyware!

This is only my opinion. If you have fast internet (DSL or Cable Internet), you should/must have a router between your DSL/Cable modem and your computer. The router can be wired or wireless.

A wired router is a small, inexpensive (Under $40) piece of hardware that provides a huge help protecting your computer - because they all have a built in firewall that requires no attention from you to maintain.

As an added bonus, they also allow you to hook more than one PC/Laptop to your fast internet connection at the same time! And if you want to set it up, you can use it to create a home network that allows all your computers to share one printer easily.

This is just one wired router that will work fine for you, there are many others: http://tomshardware.bizrate.com/nc/marketplace/search/search__prod_id--6646705,rf--tng011,sort--6.html

One other note, Windows XP Service Pack 2 turns on the updated "Windows Firewall". If you've installed "SP2" you probably have a firewall running. However I still strongly recommend a router with built in firewall.

Hope this helps,
Hugh

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Is there any firewall which works under safe mode with networking in win XP.

I'm not sure about software firewalls. I'd check the WIndows XP built-in firewall ... I'd be surprized if that didn't work. And certainly an external firewall such as a router will work.

HI, I was just wondering if can help me find a few music download sites that do not carry viruses (trustworthy) when downloading music

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