Can I build a stand-alone system?

X

X-Eyed_Bear

I want to set up a system that will never be on-line and would like some
advice on how to do this.

The advantages that I think apply are:

1. No malware will ever infect the system
2. I will not need a firewall, any internet-security software or
anti-virus software, meaning that few resident security routines, loaded
at start-up, will be required leading to greater system performance.
3. I will not need to continually install security updates to system and
application software, again resulting in better performance as well as
easier set-up
4. I will not be tempted to load on the latest level of software
'enhancements', most of which are really not useful additions to
software which is already seriously over-bloated to start with (for
example, I doubt whether there are many things in PS CS3 which were not
in PS 6.5 and which are critical to my work). This will mean I spend far
less time maintaining my system, learning new software and battling with
system instabilities.
5. I don't need to move inexorably to newer hardware every 12 months, as
I have been doing for the past 10 years. Ms Word and/or competitive
equivalents ran with acceptable performance and acceptable function 15
years ago on my 120 Mhz, 32 Mb RAM Pentium system.


But there are problems I can foresee:

A. Windows XP will not work without an on-line activation (I suppose I
could revert to Win 2K - that was equally stable, but some of my
software is XP (and later) only). Some apps. are moving (or have moved)
to a similar requirement.
B. I fear some, as yet unspecified, problems with web-browsers (which
are required accessing html help files for example).
C. Some major apps. (like those in MS Office) require on-line
connectivity to provide help support.
D. There is the obvious problem of getting data into and out of this
system. Yes, I could use R/W CD media (a throw back to the old pre-LAN
days of 'sneaker-ware') - but it's not really attractive. IF I have any
LAN connectivity, there is always the risk that malware will migrate
across the LAN - isn't there?
E. I can't do LAN printing or back up data to my in-house 'server'.

I'm sure there must be a smart way of meeting my objectives. Can
somebody point me in the right direction?

Thanks.
 
B

Big Al

X-Eyed_Bear said:
I want to set up a system that will never be on-line and would like some
advice on how to do this.

The advantages that I think apply are:

1. No malware will ever infect the system
2. I will not need a firewall, any internet-security software or
anti-virus software, meaning that few resident security routines, loaded
at start-up, will be required leading to greater system performance.
3. I will not need to continually install security updates to system and
application software, again resulting in better performance as well as
easier set-up
4. I will not be tempted to load on the latest level of software
'enhancements', most of which are really not useful additions to
software which is already seriously over-bloated to start with (for
example, I doubt whether there are many things in PS CS3 which were not
in PS 6.5 and which are critical to my work). This will mean I spend far
less time maintaining my system, learning new software and battling with
system instabilities.
5. I don't need to move inexorably to newer hardware every 12 months, as
I have been doing for the past 10 years. Ms Word and/or competitive
equivalents ran with acceptable performance and acceptable function 15
years ago on my 120 Mhz, 32 Mb RAM Pentium system.


But there are problems I can foresee:

A. Windows XP will not work without an on-line activation (I suppose I
could revert to Win 2K - that was equally stable, but some of my
software is XP (and later) only). Some apps. are moving (or have moved)
to a similar requirement.
B. I fear some, as yet unspecified, problems with web-browsers (which
are required accessing html help files for example).
C. Some major apps. (like those in MS Office) require on-line
connectivity to provide help support.
D. There is the obvious problem of getting data into and out of this
system. Yes, I could use R/W CD media (a throw back to the old pre-LAN
days of 'sneaker-ware') - but it's not really attractive. IF I have any
LAN connectivity, there is always the risk that malware will migrate
across the LAN - isn't there?
E. I can't do LAN printing or back up data to my in-house 'server'.

I'm sure there must be a smart way of meeting my objectives. Can
somebody point me in the right direction?

Thanks.
you can phone in the activation.
Zone Alarm Firewall differentiates between Internet access and Trusted
network for traffic. I'm not going to say it works right, but I can't
see why it would specify the two if there weren't some use for it. IF
it works, you could just block all 'internet' activity.
The other issues, yes, its a bit questionable. I use ZoneAlarm and
block some programs like microsoft help F1, and have no issues with it.
So problem C may not be an issue.
 
P

PD43

X-Eyed_Bear said:
I want to set up a system that will never be on-line and would like some
advice on how to do this.

The advantages that I think apply are:

1. No malware will ever infect the system

I've been online for 18 years... never a malware or virus infestation.
2. I will not need a firewall, any internet-security software or
anti-virus software, meaning that few resident security routines, loaded
at start-up, will be required leading to greater system performance.

Using XP firewall here: no hit on performance. If you're running a
very old system, then such a hit might be something to consider, but
not with today's systems.
3. I will not need to continually install security updates to system and
application software, again resulting in better performance as well as
easier set-up

Minimal time needed to do the above.
4. I will not be tempted to load on the latest level of software
'enhancements',

Learn some discipline. Staying offline won't help you there.
5. I don't need to move inexorably to newer hardware every 12 months, as
I have been doing for the past 10 years. Ms Word and/or competitive
equivalents ran with acceptable performance and acceptable function 15
years ago on my 120 Mhz, 32 Mb RAM Pentium system.

Stick with programs that work for you. I'm running a 6 year old
version of Photoshop, MS Office 2002, etc.

Again: discipline will help you here.
 
B

Big Al

PD43 said:
I've been online for 18 years... never a malware or virus infestation.


Using XP firewall here: no hit on performance. If you're running a
very old system, then such a hit might be something to consider, but
not with today's systems.


Minimal time needed to do the above.


Learn some discipline. Staying offline won't help you there.


Stick with programs that work for you. I'm running a 6 year old
version of Photoshop, MS Office 2002, etc.

Again: discipline will help you here.
I agree with PD43. My AV catches what items I do get, 1 a year. And I
play a lot. On purpose. So if you stopped sticking your finger in the
mud, it won't get dirty.
Browse known good sites, don't download. Like PD43, I use the same ole
programs, some from the 1990's that are old DOS command line I would
love to get into a windows GUI form but heck, I run them 1 time a year
maybe and they work. IF IT WORKS, USE IT. I too like the old
programs, I have Photoshop Elements 2.0 It was simple.
 

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