Basic query

  • Thread starter Thread starter MB
  • Start date Start date
M

MB

I've gotten a new Dell computer system.

I added cable modem service, so it is "always on" as long as my computer is
on.

Do I need to be shutting my computer system off when not in use just to play
it safe (I would rather not).

I have all the Critical Windows Updates installed, I have a Firewall (Zone
Alarm), I have antivirus software up-to-date (AVG), and I mung my email
address on newsgroups. Again, do I need to shut off my computer when not in
use.

Mel
 
No.

If it is on 24x7, I suggest obtaining a SETI@Home client.

I also suggest using a DSL/Cable router. It has *many* benefits including a simplistic
FireWall.

As always, I suggest the Linksys BEFSR41.

Dave

| I've gotten a new Dell computer system.
|
| I added cable modem service, so it is "always on" as long as my computer is
| on.
|
| Do I need to be shutting my computer system off when not in use just to play
| it safe (I would rather not).
|
| I have all the Critical Windows Updates installed, I have a Firewall (Zone
| Alarm), I have antivirus software up-to-date (AVG), and I mung my email
| address on newsgroups. Again, do I need to shut off my computer when not in
| use.
|
| Mel
|
|
 
MB said:
I've gotten a new Dell computer system.

I added cable modem service, so it is "always on" as long as my computer is
on.

Do I need to be shutting my computer system off when not in use just to play
it safe (I would rather not).

I have all the Critical Windows Updates installed, I have a Firewall (Zone
Alarm), I have antivirus software up-to-date (AVG), and I mung my email
address on newsgroups. Again, do I need to shut off my computer when not in
use.

Mel
Click to expand...



--
/}
@###{ ]::::::Dino-Soft Software::::::>
\}
http://www.dino-soft.org/cam
I would recommend a Router with NAT (Network Address Translation) that way
when someone hits your IP they are hitting the Router and not your PC. You
pc will take on a reserved IP like 192.168.2.1 which accesses a belkin
router and the router or more specifically the NAT of the router will have
the actual IP.
Using a router has another added benefit. You can add other PC's onto
the same cable/dsl connection and *legally* only pay the one connection
charge. However a very small percentage (probably less then 1%) of ISP's
charge if you add another pc in on your connection. Personally I have yet
to hear of an ISP that charges; but I have read that less then 1% do charge
for added pc's so I just thought I would mention it in an attempt to be more
precise in my answer.
 
David H. Lipman wrote:
Fix top posting to enhance readability.
No.
Click to expand...

I hardly ever shut my system off.
If it is on 24x7, I suggest obtaining a SETI@Home client.
Click to expand...

Much more beneficial use of your idle system time is the Distributed Folding
Project screensaver.
http://www.distributedfolding.org/
I also suggest using a DSL/Cable router. It has *many* benefits
including a simplistic FireWall.
Click to expand...

True but is an unnecessary expense. Just use the ZoneAlarm Stop Internet
connection button or unplug the cable modem connection or power.
As always, I suggest the Linksys BEFSR41.
Click to expand...

I use a SMC 7004VBR and am very happy with it but I have two systems that
share the Internet connection.
 
Thanks for all the responses.
I really don't want to bother to invest in a router; it doesn't seem
necessary.

I do have ZoneAlarm so I guess I'll just set it to stop all internet traffic
when I'm away.

Mel
 
Veronica said:
You can also get a software firewall. ZoneAlarm is free for personal
use. http://www.zonelabs.com You can set it to stop _all_ traffic,
when
you don't want to be online.

MB wrote / skrev:
Click to expand...

Doesn't anybody ever consider the environmental issues of leaving a computer
permanently switched on, apart from the extra cost on your electricity bill?
It's probably similar to unnecessarily leaving a TV permanently on standby.
The total of these two power usages probably takes the output of at least
one power station. My computer and TV are switched off every night with no
problems.

Terry D.
 
Bitstring <[email protected]>, from the
wonderful person Terry D said:
Doesn't anybody ever consider the environmental issues of leaving a computer
permanently switched on, apart from the extra cost on your electricity bill?
It's probably similar to unnecessarily leaving a TV permanently on standby.
The total of these two power usages probably takes the output of at least
one power station. My computer and TV are switched off every night with no
problems.
Click to expand...

You obviously don't live in a cool place. Here, for 8 months of the
year, my PC (and TV on standby) just act as house heaters, with the side
benefit of doing some calculations, and collecting emails and newsgroup
messages so I can review them off line when I get up. The alternative
would involve me burning more heating oil. Most places the overnight
demand for electricity can be met from 'always on' sources like nuclear,
wind, and hydro .. in fact in the UK they pump water uphill at night to
meet peak demands during the day by running it back through a hydro
system. 8>.
 
Terry:

If you are running SETI@Home or YK's suggestion of the Protein Folder calculator, then there
is energy usage but not waste.

Both are scientific endeavours that require massive computing power and are PERFECT examples
of distributive computing.

Dave


| Veronica Loell wrote:
| > You can also get a software firewall. ZoneAlarm is free for personal
| > use. http://www.zonelabs.com You can set it to stop _all_ traffic,
| > when
| > you don't want to be online.
| >
| > MB wrote / skrev:
| >> I've gotten a new Dell computer system.
| >>
| >> I added cable modem service, so it is "always on" as long as my
| >> computer is on.
| >>
| >> Do I need to be shutting my computer system off when not in use just
| >> to play it safe (I would rather not).
| >>
| >> I have all the Critical Windows Updates installed, I have a Firewall
| >> (Zone Alarm), I have antivirus software up-to-date (AVG), and I mung
| >> my email address on newsgroups. Again, do I need to shut off my
| >> computer when not in use.
| >>
| >> Mel
|
| Doesn't anybody ever consider the environmental issues of leaving a computer
| permanently switched on, apart from the extra cost on your electricity bill?
| It's probably similar to unnecessarily leaving a TV permanently on standby.
| The total of these two power usages probably takes the output of at least
| one power station. My computer and TV are switched off every night with no
| problems.
|
| Terry D.
|
|
 
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