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Wow, this group is totally awesome. I really did not think I would get
too many replies concerning the purchase of a new computer.

I have made photocopies of most of your replies, and now I really have
my homework cut out for me.

The reason I am planning to get a new computer is that mine is 8 years
old, works great, and I love it, but I am still running Windows 98.
Because Windows 98 is so old, Microsoft is no longer offering free
updates, which I am told, subjects me to viruses even though I have
Norton Anti-Virus.

I don't want to send anyone a virus, thus, my search for a new computer.

I was told that my computer is not capable of adding Windows XP Home
Edition to it.

I need to find out the specifications as that person never saw my
computer, and if I could do that, I would be happy to spend appx.
$130 to buy that operating system. My friend said it is a waste of
money as a new computer would have that on it.

I wish I were more computer illiterate, but such is life.

Your advice and time is greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much.

Corinne
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Corinne wrote:
Wow, this group is totally awesome. I really did not think I would get
too many replies concerning the purchase of a new computer.


Good luck on your computer purchase. I also suggest a new computer. You
won't believe the difference it will make if you run Windows XP. Much
more stable and looks great too.

As for suggestions, if I am not too late, look around the internet and
do a search for "dell coupons". If you are in the US, Dell offers
massive coupons from time to time. Buying a name brand computer will
contain Windows so there is no need to purchase a copy of the licence.
For someone who just wants to use the machine, consider a Dell. Good
customer support and they fix any problems oyu may have during the
warranty period. I don't work for Dell, just think they would be a good
fit for you.

Good luck!

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"Corinne" wrote in message
...

The reason I am planning to get a new computer is that mine is 8 years
old, works great, and I love it, but I am still running Windows 98.
Because Windows 98 is so old, Microsoft is no longer offering free
updates, which I am told, subjects me to viruses even though I have Norton
Anti-Virus.


Corinne, if it ain't broke dont fix it. ;-). If you're running 98 and
it's
stable and your pc is fast enough for you, why spend anything? xp is
much more a target for virus writers than 98. The minimum memory
for xp is 128 K, 256 recommended.

what speed is your machine? a 233 mhz processor and 128K runs
xp fine if your determined to go to xp.

lee


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lee houston wrote:


"Corinne" wrote in message
...

The reason I am planning to get a new computer is that mine is 8 years
old, works great, and I love it, but I am still running Windows 98.
Because Windows 98 is so old, Microsoft is no longer offering free
updates, which I am told, subjects me to viruses even though I have
Norton Anti-Virus.


Corinne, if it ain't broke dont fix it. ;-). If you're running 98 and
it's
stable and your pc is fast enough for you, why spend anything? xp is
much more a target for virus writers than 98. The minimum memory
for xp is 128 K, 256 recommended.

what speed is your machine? a 233 mhz processor and 128K runs
xp fine if your determined to go to xp.


It will boot on such a machine but running "fine" is questionable.


--
--John
to email, dial "usenet" and validate
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)
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If you haven't ordered yet, be sure and visit the Dell website. From
time to time they offer special deals like no shipping charges or
upgrades to the size monitor, etc. We own three Dells (purchased at
two different times plus one we won) and have been very pleased with
the hardware. The customer service is not great because the tech reps
speak English with a foreign accent and we have trouble understanding
each other. Luckily, I haven't had to call but once since I got newest
computer. Windows XP is a huge program but I like it. Eight years is
a long time for a computer. Would not put any money into it. Keep it
as a backup.



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"Corinne" wrote in message
...

The reason I am planning to get a new computer is that mine is 8 years
old, works great, and I love it, but I am still running Windows 98.
Because Windows 98 is so old, Microsoft is no longer offering free
updates, which I am told, subjects me to viruses even though I have
Norton Anti-Virus.


Exposure to viruses requires two things simultaneously.
1 = circulation of a virus that targets your Operating System.
There are nowadays fewer viruses than there used to be, and
all the new ones target WinXP. Win98 is so old that it does
not attract the attention of new virus makers.
2 = some action by you that opens the door to a virus
(e.g. clicking on a hot button in an email.) Common sense
alone prevents this happening. Good AV software and a
hardware firewall (cable router) offer additional tiers of
protection for those who doubt common sense is enough.

Taken together, these points suggest you should stay
with Win98 until you need hardware or software that
requires a different OS.

--
Don Phillipson
Carlsbad Springs
(Ottawa, Canada)



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"Corinne" wrote in message

The reason I am planning to get a new computer is that mine is 8 years
old, works great, and I love it, but I am still running Windows 98.
Because Windows 98 is so old, Microsoft is no longer offering free
updates, which I am told, subjects me to viruses even though I have Norton
Anti-Virus.

I don't want to send anyone a virus, thus, my search for a new computer.

I was told that my computer is not capable of adding Windows XP Home
Edition to it.



You can continue to use your old computer without fear as long as you have
anti-virus software on it. Sure, it is old, but if it does everything you
need, no pressing need to upgrade.

OTOH, a new computer will have new bells and whistles and do a lot of things
better. If you are so inclined, go ahead and enjoy a new one. Your money,
your choice.

Don't toss the old one, but donate it to someone that has none, or to an
organization that can use it. Don't bother with the school as they usually
have the latest equipment and won't accept an older one. They just raise
taxes when they want more.


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just be aware that Dell is a pretty good machine, but their customer service
has gone downhill. didn't used to be that way.
"lee houston" wrote in message
om...

"Corinne" wrote in message
...

The reason I am planning to get a new computer is that mine is 8 years
old, works great, and I love it, but I am still running Windows 98.
Because Windows 98 is so old, Microsoft is no longer offering free
updates, which I am told, subjects me to viruses even though I have Norton
Anti-Virus.


Corinne, if it ain't broke dont fix it. ;-). If you're running 98 and
it's
stable and your pc is fast enough for you, why spend anything? xp is
much more a target for virus writers than 98. The minimum memory
for xp is 128 K, 256 recommended.

what speed is your machine? a 233 mhz processor and 128K runs
xp fine if your determined to go to xp.

lee



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Edwin Pawlowski wrote:

Don't toss the old one, but donate it to someone that has none, or to
an organization that can use it. Don't bother with the school as
they usually have the latest equipment and won't accept an older one.
They just raise taxes when they want more.


Johns-Hopkins replaces about 75 computers per year. They used to donate them
to various worthy causes, but that process turned into a nightmare. The
receipients couldn't make them work, they had no software, the accounting
department complained about the tax tracking problems, yak-yak-yak.

How did Johns-Hopkins solve all these problems at a stroke?

They leave the computers on the sidewalk at night for the Urban Fairies.

Dilbert's boss recommends leaving obsolete computers, again at night, on
school playgrounds. That's what he did with his refrigerator.


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Corinne wrote:
Wow, this group is totally awesome. I really did not think I would
get too many replies concerning the purchase of a new computer.

I have made photocopies of most of your replies, and now I really have
my homework cut out for me.

The reason I am planning to get a new computer is that mine is 8 years
old, works great, and I love it, but I am still running Windows 98.
Because Windows 98 is so old, Microsoft is no longer offering free
updates, which I am told, subjects me to viruses even though I have
Norton Anti-Virus.


Microsoft WILL continue critical updates for Win98.


I don't want to send anyone a virus, thus, my search for a new
computer.


Anti-virus programs are, in the main, indifferent as to what operating
system is in place.


I was told that my computer is not capable of adding Windows XP Home
Edition to it.

I need to find out the specifications as that person never saw my
computer, and if I could do that, I would be happy to spend appx.
$130 to buy that operating system. My friend said it is a waste of
money as a new computer would have that on it.


Your friend is wrong. Not all computers come with an operating system
installed. And of those that do, sometimes it is the wrong operating system.
For example, some manufacturers install a knock-off of a 40-year-old
operating system designed by a money-losing division of your local telephone
company whose main architects believed the DOS Command-Line was not arcane
enough.


I wish I were more computer illiterate, but such is life.


I once read about a lady in New York who had a plan. She saved up little
chores around her apartment, then invited a male acquantance who lived in
the building for a trade: fix-its for dinner.

She thought: "He can put up a towel rack and it won't fall down - a miracle
worker. All I have to do is throw a couple more potatoes in the pot. Heckofa
deal."

He thought: "For the right kind of thirty-cent bolt, I get a homemade
rack-of-lamb dinner. She's a miracle worker. I'm way ahead."

After dinner, they had sex.




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In article ,
"HeyBub" wrote:

Corinne wrote:
Wow, this group is totally awesome. I really did not think I would
get too many replies concerning the purchase of a new computer.

I have made photocopies of most of your replies, and now I really have
my homework cut out for me.

The reason I am planning to get a new computer is that mine is 8 years
old, works great, and I love it, but I am still running Windows 98.
Because Windows 98 is so old, Microsoft is no longer offering free
updates, which I am told, subjects me to viruses even though I have
Norton Anti-Virus.


Microsoft WILL continue critical updates for Win98.


Not according to their website:

End of support for Windows 98 and Windows Me
July 11, 2006 will bring a close to Extended Support for Windows 98,
Windows 98 Second Edition, and Windows Me as part of the Microsoft
Lifecycle Policy. Microsoft will retire public and technical support,
***including security updates**, by this date. (emphasis added)

Existing support documents and content, however, will continue to be
available through the Microsoft Support Product Solution Center Web
site. This Web site will continue to host a wealth of previous How-to,
Troubleshooting, and Configuration content for anyone who may need
self-service.
Microsoft is retiring support for these products because they are
outdated and can expose customers to security risks. We recommend that
customers who are still running Windows 98 or Windows Me upgrade to a
newer, more secure Microsoft operating system, such as Windows XP, as
soon as possible.

I also know that as of the last update, Zone Alarm won't work on
W98, although the older ones still do.
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stevie wrote:

just be aware that Dell is a pretty good machine, but their customer service
has gone downhill. didn't used to be that way.
"lee houston" wrote in message
om...

"Corinne" wrote in message
...


The reason I am planning to get a new computer is that mine is 8 years
old, works great, and I love it, but I am still running Windows 98.
Because Windows 98 is so old, Microsoft is no longer offering free
updates, which I am told, subjects me to viruses even though I have Norton
Anti-Virus.



Corinne, if it ain't broke dont fix it. ;-). If you're running 98 and
it's
stable and your pc is fast enough for you, why spend anything? xp is
much more a target for virus writers than 98. The minimum memory
for xp is 128 K, 256 recommended.

what speed is your machine? a 233 mhz processor and 128K runs
xp fine if your determined to go to xp.

lee



Hi,
Unless OS is reasonably kept up with changes, one day all of a sudden
you'll be in big trouble when hell borke loose. I am using Linux but on
the side I updated W2K to XPP SP2 on everyting on my home network.
(a feew notebooks, desktops). If you run critical job on your PC, it's
good idea running two hard drives in Raid 1 format for quick recovery
when system gets into trouble. And always back up routinely.
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HeyBub wrote:

Edwin Pawlowski wrote:

Don't toss the old one, but donate it to someone that has none, or to
an organization that can use it. Don't bother with the school as
they usually have the latest equipment and won't accept an older one.
They just raise taxes when they want more.



Johns-Hopkins replaces about 75 computers per year. They used to donate them
to various worthy causes, but that process turned into a nightmare. The
receipients couldn't make them work, they had no software, the accounting
department complained about the tax tracking problems, yak-yak-yak.

How did Johns-Hopkins solve all these problems at a stroke?

They leave the computers on the sidewalk at night for the Urban Fairies.

Dilbert's boss recommends leaving obsolete computers, again at night, on
school playgrounds. That's what he did with his refrigerator.


Hi,
Ever heard of reclycing. Throwing such old things out in to open is
illegal. If you get caught doing that, you'll pay hefty fine. Bring them
to proper reclycling depot. We even have drive-in depot up here in Alberta.
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Dottie wrote:


If you haven't ordered yet, be sure and visit the Dell website. From
time to time they offer special deals like no shipping charges or
upgrades to the size monitor, etc. We own three Dells (purchased at
two different times plus one we won) and have been very pleased with
the hardware. The customer service is not great because the tech reps
speak English with a foreign accent and we have trouble understanding
each other. Luckily, I haven't had to call but once since I got newest
computer. Windows XP is a huge program but I like it. Eight years is
a long time for a computer. Would not put any money into it. Keep it
as a backup.

Try their live chat for support. English, no accent )
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On Fri, 14 Jul 2006 08:55:39 -0400, "Don Phillipson"
wrote:

"Corinne" wrote in message
...

The reason I am planning to get a new computer is that mine is 8 years
old, works great, and I love it, but I am still running Windows 98.
Because Windows 98 is so old, Microsoft is no longer offering free
updates, which I am told, subjects me to viruses even though I have
Norton Anti-Virus.


Exposure to viruses requires two things simultaneously.
1 = circulation of a virus that targets your Operating System.
There are nowadays fewer viruses than there used to be, and
all the new ones target WinXP. Win98 is so old that it does
not attract the attention of new virus makers.
2 = some action by you that opens the door to a virus
(e.g. clicking on a hot button in an email.


or even READING the email, if you use a program that supports HTML
(not safe HTML) like OE

) Common sense
alone prevents this happening. Good AV software and a
hardware firewall (cable router)


Also, avoid wireless networking if possible. It is less secure (and
there's plenty of other disadvantages of wireless).

offer additional tiers of
protection for those who doubt common sense is enough.


"Common sense" can help a lot here, but it isn't that common.

Taken together, these points suggest you should stay
with Win98 until you need hardware or software that
requires a different OS.

--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what
to have for lunch. Liberty is a well armed lamb
contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin


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Mark Lloyd wrote:
On Fri, 14 Jul 2006 08:55:39 -0400, "Don Phillipson"
wrote:


"Corinne" wrote in message
...


The reason I am planning to get a new computer is that mine is 8 years
old, works great, and I love it, but I am still running Windows 98.
Because Windows 98 is so old, Microsoft is no longer offering free
updates, which I am told, subjects me to viruses even though I have
Norton Anti-Virus.

Exposure to viruses requires two things simultaneously.
1 = circulation of a virus that targets your Operating System.
There are nowadays fewer viruses than there used to be, and
all the new ones target WinXP. Win98 is so old that it does
not attract the attention of new virus makers.
2 = some action by you that opens the door to a virus
(e.g. clicking on a hot button in an email.


or even READING the email, if you use a program that supports HTML
(not safe HTML) like OE


) Common sense
alone prevents this happening. Good AV software and a
hardware firewall (cable router)


Also, avoid wireless networking if possible. It is less secure (and
there's plenty of other disadvantages of wireless).



Note that I can connect to no less than 3 wireless networks in my
neighborhood and go ANYWHERE ON INTERNET THAT I WANT.

Wireless is convenient but it allows strangers, maybe even DANGEROUS
folks access to your computers.


offer additional tiers of
protection for those who doubt common sense is enough.



"Common sense" can help a lot here, but it isn't that common.


Taken together, these points suggest you should stay
with Win98 until you need hardware or software that
requires a different OS.

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In article ,
Robert Gammon wrote:
..

Wireless is convenient but it allows strangers, maybe even DANGEROUS
folks access to your computers.

Only if you are too lazy to take the 10 minutes or so it takes to set
up the security.
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Come on, let's get back to the OP's question and help.

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I don't the speed, etc. but will try to figure it out.

Thanks.

The reason I am planning to get a new computer is that mine is 8 years
old, works great, and I love it, but I am still running Windows 98.
Because Windows 98 is so old, Microsoft is no longer offering free
updates, which I am told, subjects me to viruses even though I have Norton
Anti-Virus.



Corinne, if it ain't broke dont fix it. ;-). If you're running 98 and
it's
stable and your pc is fast enough for you, why spend anything? xp is
much more a target for virus writers than 98. The minimum memory
for xp is 128 K, 256 recommended.

what speed is your machine? a 233 mhz processor and 128K runs
xp fine if your determined to go to xp.

lee




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Thanks for this info. Dottie.

I know what you are saying. I have been very lucky with this computer,
but I only do the basic things on it.

Corinne

Dottie wrote:


If you haven't ordered yet, be sure and visit the Dell website. From
time to time they offer special deals like no shipping charges or
upgrades to the size monitor, etc. We own three Dells (purchased at
two different times plus one we won) and have been very pleased with
the hardware. The customer service is not great because the tech reps
speak English with a foreign accent and we have trouble understanding
each other. Luckily, I haven't had to call but once since I got newest
computer. Windows XP is a huge program but I like it. Eight years is
a long time for a computer. Would not put any money into it. Keep it
as a backup.

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On Fri, 14 Jul 2006 20:52:34 GMT, Kurt Ullman
wrote:

In article ,
Robert Gammon wrote:
.

Wireless is convenient but it allows strangers, maybe even DANGEROUS
folks access to your computers.

Only if you are too lazy to take the 10 minutes or so it takes to set
up the security.


Of course, no matter what you do it's still LESS SECURE than a (much
simpler and so more reliable) ethernet cable, preferably located
entirely within an area you control.
--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what
to have for lunch. Liberty is a well armed lamb
contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin
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On 14 Jul 2006 14:19:17 -0700, wrote:

Come on, let's get back to the OP's question and help.


Wasn't that already answered?
--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what
to have for lunch. Liberty is a well armed lamb
contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin
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In article ,
Mark Lloyd wrote:


Only if you are too lazy to take the 10 minutes or so it takes to set
up the security.


Of course, no matter what you do it's still LESS SECURE than a (much
simpler and so more reliable) ethernet cable, preferably located
entirely within an area you control.


Probably marginally. Many, if not most, of the MSoft updates have to
do with exploits that anyone can use to get control of your computer,
even through the ever popular ethernet cable. Don't know the stats, but
it would seem this kind or attack would be much more likely to happen
than the drive by.
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Kurt Ullman wrote:
In article ,
"HeyBub" wrote:

Corinne wrote:
Wow, this group is totally awesome. I really did not think I would
get too many replies concerning the purchase of a new computer.

I have made photocopies of most of your replies, and now I really
have my homework cut out for me.

The reason I am planning to get a new computer is that mine is 8
years old, works great, and I love it, but I am still running
Windows 98. Because Windows 98 is so old, Microsoft is no longer
offering free updates, which I am told, subjects me to viruses even
though I have Norton Anti-Virus.


Microsoft WILL continue critical updates for Win98.


Not according to their website:

End of support for Windows 98 and Windows Me
July 11, 2006 will bring a close to Extended Support for Windows 98,
Windows 98 Second Edition, and Windows Me as part of the Microsoft
Lifecycle Policy. Microsoft will retire public and technical support,
***including security updates**, by this date. (emphasis added)

Existing support documents and content, however, will continue to be
available through the Microsoft Support Product Solution Center Web
site. This Web site will continue to host a wealth of previous How-to,
Troubleshooting, and Configuration content for anyone who may need
self-service.
Microsoft is retiring support for these products because they are
outdated and can expose customers to security risks. We recommend that
customers who are still running Windows 98 or Windows Me upgrade to a
newer, more secure Microsoft operating system, such as Windows XP, as
soon as possible.


Thank you for the correction.

Doesn't matter, though. Win98 wasn't very good a security anyway and one
needed third-party tools to keep the rascals at bat (virus checkers, spyware
detectors, etc.).




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Tony Hwang wrote:

Dilbert's boss recommends leaving obsolete computers, again at
night, on school playgrounds. That's what he did with his
refrigerator.

Hi,
Ever heard of reclycing. Throwing such old things out in to open is
illegal. If you get caught doing that, you'll pay hefty fine. Bring
them to proper reclycling depot. We even have drive-in depot up here in
Alberta.


That's why you should take extra precautions to avoid getting caught.

I recommend a Ninja suit. Carry a gun just in case some playground monitor
shows up.



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In article , Robert
Gammon wrote:

Kurt Ullman wrote:
In article ,
Robert Gammon wrote:
.

Wireless is convenient but it allows strangers, maybe even DANGEROUS
folks access to your computers.


Only if you are too lazy to take the 10 minutes or so it takes to set
up the security.


Too lazy, unknowing, unaware makes no difference. I still have access
to networks where I am an unauthrized user.


A year ago I toook my laptop and traced the nearest open network to a
house across the street and three doors down. I SHOWED him how I could
access his network and see his computer, and told him what he should do
to fix it.

I can still access his network.

Clueless...
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stevie wrote:
just be aware that Dell is a pretty good machine, but their customer service
has gone downhill. didn't used to be that way.


ironic: most reliable computer in many surveys is sony; worst service
in many surveys is.... sony. of course that makes some sort of sense;
when something dies, they don't have any experience with who to route
your phone call to, never mind actually diagnosing and fixing it.

"lee houston" wrote in message
om...

"Corinne" wrote in message
...

The reason I am planning to get a new computer is that mine is 8 years
old, works great, and I love it, but I am still running Windows 98.
Because Windows 98 is so old, Microsoft is no longer offering free
updates, which I am told, subjects me to viruses even though I have Norton
Anti-Virus.


Corinne, if it ain't broke dont fix it. ;-). If you're running 98 and
it's
stable and your pc is fast enough for you, why spend anything? xp is
much more a target for virus writers than 98. The minimum memory
for xp is 128 K, 256 recommended.

what speed is your machine? a 233 mhz processor and 128K runs
xp fine if your determined to go to xp.

lee


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Default Very OT - Computers (A BIG Thanks Everyone)

On Fri, 14 Jul 2006 22:08:58 GMT, Kurt Ullman
wrote:

In article ,
Mark Lloyd wrote:


Only if you are too lazy to take the 10 minutes or so it takes to set
up the security.


Of course, no matter what you do it's still LESS SECURE than a (much
simpler and so more reliable) ethernet cable, preferably located
entirely within an area you control.


Probably marginally. Many, if not most, of the MSoft updates have to
do with exploits that anyone can use to get control of your computer,
even through the ever popular ethernet cable.


They'd have to get by your router, to get to your network if you don't
have wireless. The wireless and is another potential point of entry.

Don't know the stats, but
it would seem this kind or attack would be much more likely to happen
than the drive by.


Maybe so, but drive-by attacks DO happen (not ALL drive-by. I've heard
of people having their dogs carry the equipment). It could be a
neighbor who doesn't like you. The added vulnerability from having
wireless can never be 0.
--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what
to have for lunch. Liberty is a well armed lamb
contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin
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Default Very OT - Computers (A BIG Thanks Everyone)

In article ,
Mark Lloyd wrote:


Maybe so, but drive-by attacks DO happen (not ALL drive-by. I've heard
of people having their dogs carry the equipment). It could be a
neighbor who doesn't like you. The added vulnerability from having
wireless can never be 0.


Heck the added liability from continuing to breath can never be zero.
I guess it is up to the individual's tolerance for risk, AFTER you do
the basics (not even setting up the security stuff is negligence). Of
course my next door neighbor did not even hide the SSID and left the
name as linksys.. so he gets what he deserves(g).


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Default Very OT - Computers (A BIG Thanks Everyone)

On Sat, 15 Jul 2006 15:13:21 GMT, Kurt Ullman
wrote:

In article ,
Mark Lloyd wrote:


Maybe so, but drive-by attacks DO happen (not ALL drive-by. I've heard
of people having their dogs carry the equipment). It could be a
neighbor who doesn't like you. The added vulnerability from having
wireless can never be 0.


Heck the added liability from continuing to breath


The word you seem to want there is "breathe"

can never be zero.


True. Of course the alternative isn't very attractive at all, unlike
with networks where wired is possible (and even works better).

I guess it is up to the individual's tolerance for risk, AFTER you do
the basics (not even setting up the security stuff is negligence). Of
course my next door neighbor did not even hide the SSID and left the
name as linksys.. so he gets what he deserves(g).


OK
--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what
to have for lunch. Liberty is a well armed lamb
contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin
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