it does take a little getting used to and letting the program learn, it will pop up and ask you do you want to let such and such connect to the internet you will likely know what is asking because you are trying to use something that needs access so in those cases say yes, if it is something that needs to access it regularly like your antivirus check mark where it says remember this so it does not ask each time. Do not give server rights some things will ask but it is not necessary once you say no to server rights it will next pop up asking for access, that you can allow. If it is something you do not recognize asking then say no and see if you can determine what it is, if you had some type of malware that is trying to phone home you would not want to allow that access. I prefer mine to pop up and ask each time with some of the rarely used stuff I like to know what is connecting. When getting zonealarm or any other free firewall or any program actually be very alert during the install period and uncheck or do not allow the addition of any toolbars or extras, Zone alarm unfortunately now does try to include a toolbar with the free version, you do not want that toolbar. and if you have problems or questions just ask. When something like generic win 32 something ask for permission say yes or you will not be able to connect to the internet, that is one to check mark always allow. Yes as grandms said with cable you have a direct connection and with no router in between you and the internet that even more dictates the use of a software firewall. The benefit of a router with built in hardware firewall is great but I use both on my windows machines, actually my linux has guarddog firewall built into it so I even have one on linux. The link I had provided the main reason I do refer that link is that there are such good instructions and pictures for someone new to firewalls.

I think I answered you on the other thread but I agree I no longer use AdAware or Spybot, superantispyware and malwarebytes are far superior now so I use and recommend them. Secunia tool is a good thing to use routinely to scan your pc to make sure everything is up to date there is an online scanner version so you can use it if you do not want to add a program to your pc. I also use WOT and like it on both my browsers, I only use firefox on a daily basis. Yes as Zep said stay away from Hijackthis unless you are being assisted in a support forum or by someone who can read the logs, it can be dangerous in the wrong hands, something could be deleted that is needed. You asked how we know what is the newest and greatest, for myself I am on quite a few forums that help people and the tools used there are always the best, some are not for the general population to use however. one other thing I tell people is to on occasion, maybe once every month or 2 go do an online virus scan just to make sure you current AV program is getting everything, one I use is FREE Online Virus Scan Free Internet Security WOT Web of Trust

that can be the action of infection, disabling security programs and also blocking certain sites that allow online scans or support, I would be checking that for sure and definitely run one of the conficker removal tools, refer to the April 1st thread for links, if you are infected you will not be able to access any of the tools, I posted a thread there that has a link to an article on windows secrets that may help. Let us know.

From Wilders Security Forum: Quote: Windows Defender will be discontinued by the end of summer 2009. Current users will continue to get the latest Malware definition files until the end of the summer. and Quote: However: both Windows Defender and Windows LiveOneCare are going to be replaced by "Morro". Maybe better known as Microsoft Security Essentials, this new product (which is going to be freeware!) is going to be a full "free antivirus software created by Microsoft that provides protection against viruses, spyware, rootkits, and trojans for Windows XP, Vista, and 7". Basically it's going to be capable of full system protection, when talking about malware, in the same way other AV supplies do.