Re: Just venting (totally OT)

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On Jan 29, 5:19 pm, Mandy <mandy...@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Even though the SP2 machine has a firewall?

I think I can beat you for paranoia - my number-crunching machine has
never been connected to the internet. I don't think that would be
possible nowadays, because Microsoft seem to insist you connect in
order to register your copy of Windows and Office etc, and them you
have to have it 'validated' every so often.

The sensible strategy for security is not to rely on Microsoft, and to
install your own firewall, antivirus and antispyware. That's not
perfect because hackers are always thinking up new ways to attack PCs,
and it takes the security software companies a day or two to come up
with an antidote.

On this PC I have SP2 installed, and a lot of Microsoft's more recent
security updates seem to piggyback on top of it. If you're well
protected otherwise, it probably doesn't make a lot of difference and
as you've pointed out, it can cause problems.

If you've been running the machine for a long time and haven't had any
problems, it's probably not worth your while changing things. Keep
back-ups of your important files, and if anything goes pear-shaped
'System Restore' should get the system back in a useable state.

Do you mind if I ask about your firewall? It's not the one that comes
with XP I hope :(

Evil Nigel
.