Warning: MSN Messenger & Viruses

[Dave]

Hi all,

I got an email off Scouse earlier regarding an incident last night when someone tried to send him a 'joke' virus.

Please be aware that when your MSN Messenger address is passed around there are certain idiots who search for addresses for no other reason than to cause disruption and pass virusses around.

Luckily for Scouse his anti-virus software caught it before it caused any harm, you may not be so lucky.

There are a couple of excellent free AV software packages in the Freebies forum if you have not already got on, also whilst you are on-line it is also a good idea to have a firewall installed. There are a couple of them also in the Freebies. (AOL users may find that Sygate works better and is easier to install)

"Take care there's bandits out there!"

Dave

 

[Newt]

Just to reinforce what Dave wrote -

You need BOTH a firewall and an anti-virus program running. The AV program won't even see a port probe attempt on your system. And the firewall won't pay any attention to a virus getting to you.

Any broadband user who values his system must have a firewall. Must. Even dial-up users would do better with one. Zone Alarm is pretty good and is free. Norton has a good one that is included with their internet suite. Black Ice makes an excellent one - but not free. All the major router/switches like the ones from LinkSys and NetGear do firewalling - it is built into the device.

Newt Vail

 

[scouse]

HI Dave
tried sygate fire wall
do you know how much it costs as the one on freebies
is for 30 days trial only or any free ones
many thanks dave,
dave(scouse)

 

[Dave]

Hi Dave,

Just checked and yes they have restricted the home user to a 30 day trial. The license for a single user is $19.95 which includes updates.

I'll check over the weekend for more free ones and let you know,

regards, Dave

 

[Dave]

Back again

Just came across this site: http://www.firewallguide.com/

full of usefull info,

Dave

 

[scouse]

hi dave
thanks for your time and trouble
dave (scouse)