If you want good security get ZoneAlarm. A free evaluation copy can be downloaded from the net. It is more secure than the windows firewall because it doesn't leave open certain ports for the benefit of the software support guys. You have to teach it at first, but it remembers. Everything you have that tries to reach the net will be shut down and you will have to approve its access. It will remember what you approve and disapprove effectively shutting down spyware etc. The premium version will also scan your e-mail. If you don't want to have problems with email viruses use one of the many non MS email programs. If you don't want problems with Explorer use Netscape or one of the other browsers. My sister-in-law had a constant-on connection and it was a high-speed cable connection. It had become so slow it harked back to the times of 2400 baud modems. A somewhat malicious hacker cousin of her's would pull pranks on her computer and use it as a slave to access nasty stuff. After installing ZoneAlarm she had a high speed connection and the cousin can't get into her computer anymore. Andrew
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