Larry, Connect to the internet and go to www.myipaddress.com. The site will return your ip address - write it down.
Now select Run from the Start menu, type cmd in the box & select OK. This will bring up a command line box - us "older" windows users call it a DOS window. Type ipconfig then hit the enter key. This will return your local IP address. Compare the address to your web address, if very different then your router is doing a IP translation and by default, is also working as a hardware firewall. The router is working like a hardware firewall because only invited traffic can come in. No-one else can resolve to the internal IP address. If they are the same then you do not have a router - you have only a cable or DSL modem & your proverbial #ss is hanging out there on the net, waiting for the next bad guy to try & take a bite out of it. You definitely need anti-virus software. Oddly enough, most clients I work with sets their virus software to maximum protection. This means that all emails are scanned in & out, all web files are scanned, all files are scanned as they are opened & they do a daily 100% file scan. Turning everything on causes the system to perform slow. This is yet another "user issue", or more correctly a "after market software" issue that gets blamed on Windows. The blame lies squately on Symantic - they would not sell as much software if everyone knew they did not need 50% of the junk, excuse me, software they sell. Viruses don't pop in out of thin air & they aren't caught from nearby computers or from your finger tips. They are delivered by an email or a web page visit. This means that once you know your system is clean, you can back off to filtering only at the sources. Once you know that all of the files in your system are safe, you can turn off your real time file scan & only scan incoming files. You can also turn off outbound scans - why scan outbound files that you know are clean? Just don't forget to leave incoming web & email scanning turned on. You need to leave your scheduled system scan turned on & set the start time for something like 4:00 AM every Sunday morning - just as sanity check. My development systems are set up this way and my system scans have not found a virus yet (6 years running). I've caught & disposed of plenty of incoming virus email attachments. Tom www.kegkits.com ----Original Message---- From: LarryT <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: 03/17/07 03:58 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List <mercedes@okiebenz.com> Subject: Re: [MBZ] Vista hits therecyclers-hijackedtoMSOffice/Outlookreplacement -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Tom wrote:<<a properly configured hardware router is the best firewall you can buy>> Hi Tom, I need a little more explanation please - I have a ethernet router feeding my desktop and laptop. The Belkin router was configured by Comcast - aalthough we used it straight out of the box for the most part - What more should have been done to be a "a properly configured router" ? Since I shouldn't need a firewall, do I need an Anti-virus? Can a virus get thru? Eliminating those 2 programs would speed up my systems quite a bit IMO. I kinda understand what you're saying about a router - but if the broadband gets thru why not a hacker? Thanks - Larry T (67 MGB, 74 911, 78 240D, 91 300D) www.youroil.net for Oil Analysis and Weber Parts Test Results http://members.rennlist.com/oil PORSCHE POSTERS! youroil.net Weber Carb Info http://members.rennlist.com/webercarbs Porsche Road Test http://members.rennlist.com/roadtest/ . ----- Original Message ----- From: "Tom Hargrave" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "'Mercedes Discussion List'" <mercedes@okiebenz.com>; "'Mercedes Discussion List'" <mercedes@okiebenz.com> Sent: Friday, March 16, 2007 7:53 PM Subject: Re: [MBZ] Vista hits the recyclers-hijackedtoMSOffice/Outlookreplacement > Bill, > > I recommend uninstalling the application. If uninstalliing resolves the > issue then I'd push for a full refund or a solution. > > One real issue with Windows is the continued poor quality of some > software vendors. > > Another real issue with Windows is computer owners installing multiple > anti-virus & firewall programs. > > Neither of these issues are Mocrosoft or Windows fault. > > By the way, if you have a router installed then you don't need a > firewall, not even Windows firewall because a properly configured > hardware router is the best firewall you can buy. Why? Because the bad > guys can't reach through the box to your machine. Plus, the firewall is > away from your machine. With a software firewall, the bad guys are > already inside your machine and you are depending on the firewall to > keep them from going further. > > But Symantec & the other software jockeys won't tell you this because > they would sell less worthless software. > > Anti-virus software is a different story. > > By the way, Windows is attacked so frequently because it's 80% of the > install base. Apple is just as vulnerable and Lynux is more vulnerable > but the virus writers don't bother. They are much happier attacking the > 80% install base. If the roles were reversed and Lunux or Apple were on > top then everyone would be bashing that OS for its vulnerabilities. > > Tom Hargrave > www.kegkits.com > > ----Original Message---- > From: BillR <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Sent: 03/16/07 01:41 PM > To: Mercedes Discussion List <mercedes@okiebenz.com> > Subject: Re: [MBZ] Vista hits the recyclers > -hijackedtoMSOffice/Outlookreplacement > -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= > Tom - I don't believe it is a hardware or memory problem as everything > worked perfectly for the 2 years prior to installing "XP Repair Pro > 2007". > I have little doubt that program is the problem. The continuing problem > is > that neither I nor the tech folks at XP Repair Pro 2007 can figure out > how > to get Outlook to download and send email. I check for spyware > regularly, > though I don't expect that is the problem. > It remains a mystery, but one that is merely annoying, not a show > stopper. > BillR > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Tom Hargrave" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: "'BillR'" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; "'Mercedes Discussion List'" > <mercedes@okiebenz.com> > Sent: Friday, March 16, 2007 1:56 PM > Subject: Re: [MBZ] Vista hits the recyclers - > hijackedtoMSOffice/Outlookreplacement > > >> Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on your perspective), I work > on >> a lot of Windows boxes. >> >> And over 90 percent of the issues I resolve can be attributed to one > of >> three causes. >> >> 1. Hardware not up the task, usually not enough memory. >> >> 2. Poorly written or incorrectly configured aftermarket application. > For >> example, aftermarket firewall and Windows firewall turned on. >> >> 3. A rogue application (spyware, etc) running, usually downloaded from > a >> porn or gambling site. >> >> Of the systems I manage, I have zero issues with Windows. And the >> systems run a mix of 98, 2000 and XP. >> >> 2000 was my favorite OS but XP SR2 is rock solid. I'm doing trial > Vista >> installs now and I don't have an opinion of the OS yet. >> >> Office 2000 is excellent, Office XP is terrible and Office 2003 is > even >> better than 2000. >> >> Most who experience Office issues either don't have adequate hardware > or >> are experiencing issues with aftermarket software. Neither of these > are >> Microsoft's fault. >> >> Tom >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: "BillR" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> To: "Mercedes Discussion List" <mercedes@okiebenz.com> >> Sent: 3/16/07 8:32 AM >> Subject: Re: [MBZ] Vista hits the recyclers - hijacked >> toMSOffice/Outlookreplacement >> >> Thanks Tom - I have been getting that feeling. The only real issue I >> have >> at the moment is that a recently installed system cleaner [XP Repair > Pro >> >> 2007] has caused Outlook to crash every time there is mail to download >> or >> send. The test settings works great and that test settings email is >> fine to >> both send and receive, the calendar and contacts works great, but I > just >> >> can't send or receive regular emails. I do download a 'shell' that >> includes >> an extra several dozen lines of stuff, then puts the 'email' at the >> wrong >> end of the queue, and crashes Outlook. Every time. If there are no >> emails >> going out or coming in everything is fine with a 'send / receive' and > it >> >> does not crash. I did a backup prior to running the program, but >> restore >> doesn't help. I have reinstalled Office twice and done 'detect and >> repair' >> about 5 times. Next attempt will be to install on the other hard > drive >> just >> to see if that will help. XP Repair Pro 2007 folks say they don't >> understand it either and are working on the problem, but no luck yet. > I >> >> have had to go to an old version of Outlook Express to get email, and > it >> >> does not integrate the calendar sharing function that I used a lot. >> Quite >> frustrating. >> >> Lee - I appreciate your suggestions >>"For e-mail, contacts and >> scheduling, >> take a look at Kontact, should be >> installed by default on KDE-based distros like Mepis and Kubuntu.<< > I >> should have mentioned I am a frequent but casual user. I have not > heard >> of >> the programs you mention. Will Kontact let me share a calendar with a >> big >> corporate MS Office user? >> Thanks guys - BillR >> 1981 300 SD 286k miles, and I got 28 mpg - half city, half open road >> driving - on the first tank after my new glow plugs were installed. > It >> will >> take awhile to pay for itself with the better MPG, but I like it. >> >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Tom Hargrave" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> To: "'Mercedes Discussion List'" <mercedes@okiebenz.com> >> Sent: Friday, March 16, 2007 8:58 AM >> Subject: Re: [MBZ] Vista hits the recyclers - hijacked to >> MSOffice/Outlookreplacement >> >> >>> Bill, >>> >>> You are 100% correct. For the casual user, Open Office is great but >> for >>> the >>> power user there is nothing like MS Office. And 2003 is the best >> version >>> to >>> date. >>> >>> Thanks, >>> Tom Hargrave >>> www.kegkits.com >>> 256-656-1924 >>> >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] >>> On Behalf Of BillR >>> Sent: Friday, March 16, 2007 7:51 AM >>> To: Mercedes Discussion List >>> Subject: Re: [MBZ] Vista hits the recyclers - hijacked to MS >>> Office/Outlookreplacement >>> >>> Luther, and other computer savvy folks, >>> I have a 2 - 3 year old Compaq Presario, which I am reasonably happy >> with >>> [still miss my company owned laptop, though], running Windows XP. I >> would >>> be happy to find a good replacement for MS Office Professional 2003 - >>> especially Outlook. From a quick look it does not seem that >> OpenOffice >>> deals with schedules and email, though I am sure contacts are >> included.. >>> Am >>> >>> I missing something? I do a fair amount of word processing, and am > in >> the >>> middle of having to switch to Word from WP, but most of my computer >> time >>> is >>> emails. It is helpful to be able to share calendars with my wife [at >> her >>> office] and my MiL in her attached apartment. Any suggestions? >>> >>> BillR >>> >>> ----- Original Message ----- >>> From: "Luther" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >>> To: "Mercedes Discussion List" <mercedes@okiebenz.com> >>> Sent: Friday, March 16, 2007 12:40 AM >>> Subject: Re: [MBZ] Vista hits the recyclers >>> >>> >>>> http://www.openoffice.org >>>> >>>> does all you need, and is compatible with Micro$#IT.... >>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________ >>> http://www.okiebenz.com >>> For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ >>> For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] >>> >>> To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: >>> http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________ >>> http://www.okiebenz.com >>> For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ >>> For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] >>> >>> To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: >>> http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com >>> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________ >> http://www.okiebenz.com >> For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ >> For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> >> To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: >> http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com >> >> >> _______________________________________ >> http://www.okiebenz.com >> For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ >> For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> >> To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: >> http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com >> > > > > _______________________________________ > http://www.okiebenz.com > For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ > For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: > http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com > > > _______________________________________ > http://www.okiebenz.com > For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ > For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: > http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
