I really must respond to all of you who have made such good suggestions, but I have a mountain of papers to grade, and parent conferences coming up. I am beginning to hate the word "issues". Yes, Ann, not only do the computer people use it, but so does everyone else - especially high school kids. They have issues with me because I am so hard. They have issues because Spanish isn't fun like it was last year. We don't play games. (Do you know how big those 16 year olds are? No, we won't play games and let them run around like some of these kids did in the 7th grade.) How about a pinata --- and bat? Issues and issues. They cheat. They go to the counselor with their issues. I just had to comment on this word. Thanks everyone for the posts. I finally called Cox, and told them that we have the computer, TV's, telephones, and long distance with them. We have a right to computer protection if they advertise that they have it. They said my computer wasn't compatible. I said that it is unless they can find the "incompatability". They finally had me go to Microsoft and upgrade VB files from 5 to 6. Now it is working. I am not thrilled since it isn't great, but it is working for now. I want to write later, but must go. I am worried about Meredith and Joan on the Prairie. Sammy

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 use Avast on all of my windows machines now and really like it, I set it up to do scans when the screen saver comes on so any time it is idle it is scanning and not having to wait for a specific time which I prefer. Plus it is an active scanner so it is always scanning as you use the pc. I am behind a firewalled router at home but do prefer to have a software firewall also, I like to use an old version of zone alarm pro, it is very light weight and has always worked well for me, if you want to buy a suite the one you mentioned is a good choice, Nod 32 is also a good choice for purchase. I prefer to have separate programs rather than a suite but that is a personal preference. I suggest you look over the installers hall of shame prior to selecting a firewall and see how they are rated and what they try to add to your system other than just what you want. Installers Hall of Shame (Unwanted add-on) gizmo's site is a good place to read up on good choices. I no longer recommend Comodo and many of the security forums no longer recommend them either due to some items they add on and some questionable practices. Corrine has some very good blog posts on her site about all of that for those that are interested. Best Free Firewall Here is a link that might be useful: security garden blog

Wow, that was a fast reply! Thanks RC! Now the next million dollar question..I saw a bunch of things that I'm not sure about..should I be worried about this entry I found? Thanks so much, I didn't know I could check that stuff. Here's the thing, I don't use the windows firewall (to my knowledge anyway), my antivirus software has one though. I really appreciate your help on this, I keep getting these darn attacks, one popped up when I was reading your instructions. >:( =:O A port was listed as an exception when the Windows Firewall started. Policy origin: Local Policy Profile used: Standard Interface: All interfaces Name: SSDP Component of UPnP Framework Port number: 1900 Protocol: UDP State: Disabled Scope: Local subnet only