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Linux disto’s have package maintainer who check the code to make sure someone doesn’t tamper with it before going to the depository where you download the ISO. This video explains the whole matter in beautiful detail. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVpbFMhOAwE

”rather, the most certain way to judge the effectiveness of security features in software is to let a bunch of software engineers poke through the code.” But how do I know the software hasn’t been poked at by a bunch of hackers from China or Romania??

Yes, you should try to not log in as “root” unless absolutely necessary. I used the method sudo chmod xxx testfile where xxx is the permission. Ex: 555 would give everyone read and execute status.

In my opinion, the only protection you need is electric. If there is a surge/spike on the data line, your modem/router will take the hit, not your computer. In my +/- 30 years of experience, my modem/router has NEVER taken a hit, except for one time when I was overseas in 1992: my dialup modem got zapped.

If you live in Florida such as I you need all the help you can get. Back in Aug 2008 lightning hit our apartment building, zapped the cable lines in the attic, traveled downstairs to our unit, took out a TV, toasted my router and cable modem and fizzled out right before entering my PC. I use a mid grade surge protector now for the cable coming in and also have an APC XS1300 protecting my whole setup. There’s nothing really that can protect against a direct strike though, but the good thing about us is that the power line doesn’t come directly into our home such as from a pole so that adds some protection.

My mom accidently clicked on an Adobe update a couple years about and unleashed a real big Trojan that disabled everything, Win updater, firewall, etc. After going through and reinstalling everything, I changed her account to limited, along with using most of the same programs many have listed in this thread. Network security is like running around trying to keep plates spinning on poles, very stressful and nerve-racking!

Don’t get too cocky, I’m sure there’s a kid in Russian that would roll their eyes and have root access with a few clicks.

Here’s the spec’s on my machine, it doesn’t have some expansion

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c02863020&tmp_task=prodinfoCategory&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&product=5098896#N397

I believe that I have a couple. I originally built my own system back in 2001 when the industry was just taking off. I have swamped out a couple motherboards along the way. For now though, I just wanted to reliable computer that had halfway decent features. You make a real good point, I suppose if I don’t have a good option to install a video card then I would have to go to Newegg or someone and get another MB. I have a couple Linux boxes I could fall back on if I needed, and I’m good about backups so that would be a small inconvenience.

I bought an HP Pavilion back in 2011 and I haven’t had to upgrade at all. I consider myself intermediate to advanced and the features that came with the computer are great. 8gigs of RAM 1.5 TB HD the built in audio and graphics are more than good enough to listen to HD audio and play action games with just a little lag, but for onboard stock graphics, it performs very well. I don’t work or am associated with HP, but just giving an example that let the buyer beware.

What about changing DNS servers?

Try this:
Start> Computer > Organize, from drop down select Folders and search options. In the view tab of the
Folder Options, click the Reset Folders button, OK.
So far it has worked for me

Thanks. I just tried but to no avail. Here’s how I set things up. I have a folder on my desktop called pending sites. I drag link from a website directly from the web browser to the desktop, then once I have enough links I drag them to pending sites for later view. Now, the folder is a shortcut to a folder in My Documents because before, when it was local to the desktop a freak crash occurred and I lost several entry’s from the folder and a few others that were also on the desktop. So I think may have something to do with? Not the worst bug, but still irritating. Thanks again for your help!

Yes, WLM 2009 is MUCH better! Thanks for the help again

Not sure what you are referring to with WLM. It works the same as any other Email client with regard to quoting the original Email in a reply. If you are refering to the Lounge notification Email, it is just that – a notification and you have to use the Lounge to respond, not the email.

Jerry

Hi there. I made a type in the last post, I meant, I went to that site before but didn’t read all the way through it. In any event, I found the solution to the problem!! I installed Windows live mail 2009 and now all is right with the universe.:o Thanks for your help!

If you have Windows 7, its a known problem. There’s a less than satisfactory workaround here:
http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7itproui/thread/c8b1f896-bbb7-43b8-be8e-5d28916268e0

Jerry

Thanks. I went there, but didn’t all the way through. One problem, different topic, is that WLM doesn’t quote reply’s or allows for that option! Not too happy with Microsoft today.

Good tips, Gomek. I like your idea of unplugging items not in use and for the same “living in Florida” reason! In the midst of bad storms, I even unplug the UPS!!

Linda

Yes, you never know when a sink hole could open up or lightning in the summer could easily fry your equipment. Quick story. Back in Aug 2008 lightning hit our complex, traveled through the coax from the attic, fried a TV, took out my router and modem, and fizzeled out before enter my computer.

I backup to an Ext hard drive in the event of hurricane, sinkhole, fire, etc. I can “hopefully” grab the Ext HD and haul butt. Plus, it’s safer to have a backup on a drive not connected to the computer, and I unplug the power to my Ext HD when I’m done “just in case” We get a biblical amounts lightning here, and it’s good practice to disconnect equipment you don’t need from mains (outlet)