PCTech Forums

Fairly nice post. I tend to agree with some of the things posted - A few items that I would debate:

Firewalls - Since this is mostly a home pc forum, I wouldnt recommend spending much money on a firewall. There are several inexpensive software based firewalls that work extremely well. Tiny Firewall is one of them. PIX is overkill for any personal lan. Its learning curve is also very tight.

Spyware could be an addition to your post. I like SpyBot http://security.kolla.de/ but Adware is another great program http://www.cexx.org/adware.htm

Once you've installed a firewall head over to http://grc.com/ and run some of the tests published by Gibson. He is a pretty annoying guy but the tests are a pretty good source to make sure you've tighted down your box.

As for the PC tip - I think we tend to promote building your own. Cant beat the price and you will be able to get a more powerful PC at cheaper prices .

Good post - Glad to see you here.

my reasoning for a better firewall than a cheap software one . is becuse
#1 i know myself how to pass most cheap software based ones.( so whats that say for the best hackers out there? )
#2 in my opionin id rather spend more money and keep my Work files safe.

As far as building your own pc goes , this is a PC Tech forum ... i dont exspect people who ask us questions know how to setup a pc from parts ...

I could be wrong , but most of the "users" i deal with here at my work ... if u show them a mother board they will run...

[quote]As far as building your own pc goes , this is a PC Tech forum ... i dont exspect people who ask US questions know how to setup a pc from parts ... [quote]


Interesting post however i have a few arguments of my own to add......

Although Blackice is a decent firewall,it is useless against trojans.It would be great when used in conjunction with The Cleaner or simular type program.Concering the above quote,i built the PC im typing on now and several more since.I have questions at times just as a "newbie" would.My questions may be in a completly different context but there questions none the less nor are they directed to anyone inparticular.As far as Dell,they build "decent" PC's after you remove all of there junkware off of them at a very high price.Just to add.....there are several programs avaliable to crash firewalls,regardless of what you paid for them.SirCujo is right in saying if they want in there gonna get in.Bragging that you can bypass inexpensive firewalls doesnt make an expensive one worth buying.