• Do I need an Anti-Virus program?
• What is a virus?
• Can I get a free anti-virus program?
• Do I need a firewall?
• What is a firewall?
• I am using a broadband router. Do I still need firewall software?
• Can I get a free firewall?
• Mediacom Security Suite

Yes! Even such a simple virus is dangerous because it will quickly use all available memory and bring the system to a halt.

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by redxii
last modified: 2002-03-17 21:57:19

A virus is a program or piece of code that is loaded onto your computer without your knowledge and runs against your wishes. Viruses can also replicate themselves. All computer viruses are manmade. A simple virus that can make a copy of itself over and over again is relatively easy to produce. Even such a simple virus is dangerous because it will quickly use all available memory and bring the system to a halt. An even more dangerous type of virus is one capable of transmitting itself across networks and bypassing security systems.

Some people distinguish between general viruses and worms. A worm is a special type of virus that can replicate itself and use memory, but cannot attach itself to other programs.

Source/Reference

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by redxii

Yes. There are several effective anti-virus programs on the internet.

Recommended free anti-virus programs:
AVG 6.0 - GriSoft

Mediacom also offers a free security suite to Mediacom customers.
Find out how to get it here: »Security Suite for Mediacom customers

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by redxii edited by wafen
last modified: 2006-09-24 20:28:49

Yes! You are susceptible to attacks whenever you are connected. Fast connections make attacks on your system very efficient. An attacker can try many different attacks in a short amount of time. The always on nature of high speed Internet access with technologies like DSL or Cable modems make you a very convenient target.

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by redxii

A system designed to prevent unauthorized to or from a private network. Firewalls can be implemented in both hardware and software, or a combination of both. Firewalls are frequently used to prevent unauthorized Internet users from accessing private networks connected to the Internet, especially intranets

Source/Reference

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by redxii

A firewall is still recommended, even if you use a broadband router. Most broadband routers provide a form of firewall protection from unwanted incoming traffic through the very mechanism it uses to share the internet connection. However, most do not contain a "traditional" firewall and do not block any outgoing traffic. This still makes you vulnerable to trojan or malicious "phone home" programs.

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by redxii

Yes. There are several effective firewalls on the internet.

Recommended free firewalls:
ZoneAlarm
Tiny Personal Firewall
Kerio Personal Firewall

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by redxii

Mediacom also offers a free security suite to Mediacom customers.
Find out how to get it here: »Security Suite for Mediacom customers

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by wafen
last modified: 2006-09-24 20:35:15