Computer Update and Queries

[sdelmonte]

So now our BlueScreened computer is in the hands of the MIS department at my office. I bought it from them, and so they would be the ones to have the appropriate software to revive my machine. There is a chance that it might need a total reformatting, which would suck big-time, but I am hoping it doesn't come to that. (This is a reminder to all of us that it's a good idea to back up data often.)

Once the machine is back and running, the plan is to bid farewell to AOL, whose SpyZapper software was the culprit. Unlike almost everyone else on Earth, I like AOL. I don't like SpyZapper, but I like AOL. But it's clear that they no longer want my buisness (or anyone else's) anyway, and that dial-up just won't cut it any more. This current fiasco is merely a sign that it's time to move on.

But to which ISP? I throw it open to the New Yorkers on my list. Should we look into cable-based Internet? If so, will we be penalized for not having cable TV? Will we be forced to have both? (I really don't want to get cable TV, even though our reception is hit and miss). What about Verizon? Is anyone on their $18 a month plan? How much do these things cost (and I mean after taxes)? Are there any services that don't advertise I should know about?

Our IT man here recommends that you buy a physical firewall instead of using software. Does anyone have an opinion about this? What anti-virus programs do you recommend? (We used to use a version of MacAfee that was web-based but it kept downloading updates all the time and slowed our computer down badly.) What anti-spyware programs do you recommend?

Feel free to comment here, or to e-mail me at sdelmonte @ aol.com. Any and all input would be appreciated.

Comments

[badninja.livejournal.com]

I use Nod32 as my virus software.It's smarter than me, so I basically have no ida what it's doing half the time - but it's quiet, it doesn't lag my computer, and it keeps everything virus free.

[badninja.livejournal.com]

Er. http://www.eset.com/

[xuth.livejournal.com]

First off, I fully support having a personal router/firewall box between the computer and the internet. It basically means that no unsolicited incoming connections get to your computer unless you explicitly tell the router to allow some or all of them. AOL does this for you right now.
Regarding cable modems: in many areas you get $10-15 off your cable internet bill if you have any cable tv service. This typically includes the $8-15 local only service that they are required to offer by FCC mandate. I believe it's still worth it to the cable company for the increase in subscribers and subsequent boost to their advertising revenue. If you really don't like it, just don't plug it into your tv.

[happyfunpaul.livejournal.com]

At my last place of residence, it was actually cheaper to have Internet plus "lifeline" cable tv service, than it was to have Internet alone.

Generally cable companies do not advertise the "lifeline" option, or even have it on their web pages, so be aware that you might have to ask about it very specifically via phone.

[timewalker.livejournal.com]

Well, once again I will recommend www.dslreports.com
They have regional boards that could probably answer all of your questions, and they had a great feature when I first had high-speed available, that allows you to plug in your zip code and see all of your options, with costs and ratings/reviews.

We use a Linksys wireless/wired router/switch that allows our laptops (and X-Box) to connect wirelessly, and our two desktops to connect through wires, but also serves as a hardware firewall. Might not be a bad idea to invest in something like that, then you will be set up if you ever expand to wireless.

Good luck.

[the_croupier]

First off, I should say, I'm far from being an IT guy. But I can share what I do, for what that's worth.

I listen to podcasts by Leo Laporte and his band of merry techies quite a lot, and they never miss an opportunity to bash Norton and McAfee for slowing computers down and using the same techniques spyware does to infiltrate systems in all sorts of ways.

I still used Norton until recently because Systemworks offered a lot of handy maintenance tools all in one package. But I recently bought a used PC from an IT friend of mine, and for this one I'm trying out AVG Anti-Virus. I've also heard good things about Trend Micro.

And like people have said, having a router between you and the net makes a big difference.

Here's Laporte's page of recommended antivirus programs. Maybe it might help:
http://leoville.tv/radio/Main/MustHaveSecuritySoftware

[hms42]

Response via email

[dotsomething.livejournal.com]

Time Warner Roadrunner hardly ever gives me a speck of trouble and it's very fast. If you forgo getting the Scifi channel/comedy central etc. standard block of cable channels you can probably get internet for a reasonable price, but basic cable will need to be piped into your home.

Yay broadband!