security updates/security patches

  • Thread starter Thread starter Larry Goodman
  • Start date Start date
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Larry Goodman

Forgive my ignorance on this subject.
I'm using windows xp home edition.
I am a total home user, and dont use my computer for any
buisness whatsoever. I use the internet for fun, or to
look stuff up, or occasionally order something on line
with a credit card. What is all this security about?
What does anyone want with my computer anyway? Im
constantly downloading security update/patches. But I dont
really understand why. Can you help me understand this
better?
Thanx,
Larry
 
Larry Goodman said:
Forgive my ignorance on this subject.
I'm using windows xp home edition.
I am a total home user, and dont use my computer for any
buisness whatsoever. I use the internet for fun, or to
look stuff up, or occasionally order something on line
with a credit card. What is all this security about?
What does anyone want with my computer anyway? Im
constantly downloading security update/patches. But I dont
really understand why. Can you help me understand this
better?
Thanx,
Larry
Click to expand...

Windows is a dynamic operating system in that it develops a bunch of
features that allow people to take control over your computer (kinda like
evolution). Sometimes these features appear sooner than M$ can tell you
about them so they create update/patches so that you can not allow other
people to take control of your computer. You can choose to not install them
if you like.
 
Larry said:
Forgive my ignorance on this subject.
I'm using windows xp home edition.
I am a total home user, and dont use my computer for any
buisness whatsoever. I use the internet for fun, or to
look stuff up, or occasionally order something on line
with a credit card. What is all this security about?
What does anyone want with my computer anyway?
Click to expand...

There are a lot of nasty 'malware' programs around that can sneak onto
your computer without your being aware, just from your clicking a link
on an infected site. Notice how often that leaves an advert around. It
could just as easily have been something less innocuous. Just one
example - there have been programs around that do this, and then when
you log off the net and disconnect your dial up connection, quietly make
a call themselves, to their own Premium number in Central America maybe,
thus collecting several dollars a minute from your phone bill right into
their coffers.

So put on Updates (though I leave out ones that refer to 'servers' or
that an attacker 'must be able to connect/logon') and I suggest get and
regularly run AdAware from www.lavasoft.de - you may be surprised
 
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