That may or may not be true. It depends if your cable modem has a hardware firewall. If you have a router between you and the cable modem, it probably is true as I don't know of any routers that don't have a hardware firewall. That being said, it is good practice to still have a software firewall. An example of why is; let's say you got a contaminated email and opened it and it contained a trojan downloader. Your computer would then call the internet and download more garbage onto your system. It doesn't matter that you are invisible to a person with negative intentions, because the bug in your system is calling home and giving it's friends directions to your house. A person or computer looking for you may not be able to see you, but you are still ending up with stuff you don't want. Does that make any sense?
I'm not positive but I'm also please by your new responsiveness. It is quite possible that your system was trying to install something nefarious (probably
Antimalwaregaurd) and your security was blocking it but you were noticing lag because your resources were going toward holding it back. With your shiny new hosts file onboard, if something on your system tries to call the webpage where the malware is located, your computer will refuse to go to the internet to look for it. Therefore, you won't be using resources and you won't be getting infected (from listed sources anyway).
For Windows 2000 it is recommended that you leave DNS client disabled. (Manual is fine). It won't really hurt anything if it was turned back on but it will induce a "lag" when browsing. I suggest you leave it set as is.
Yes. Go ahead and make it ReadOnly.
You do not need to keep HostsXpert on your computer. Now that you have the hosts file set, it will do it's job. However, the MVPS Hosts file is updated and it would be a good idea to update it on your computer at least once a year. Basically HostsXpert is just a tool to help you manipulate your hosts file and/or download and install a custom one such as MVPS hosts file. You do not need to keep HostsXpert on your desktop but it might be handy to have somewhere.
I see I missed some additional questions last night.
You have enough security programs installed. If you are happy with what you are running, keep them.
You should install a firewall. Any of those listed will be fine. It comes down to personal preference. Use one you are comfortable with. Start with Online Armour. If you get it up and running relatively trouble free, keep it and get on with your life. If it drives you nuts, remove it and try a different one.
Yes. You did just use HostsXpert to install the MVPS hosts file.
That's it. I don't think I'd add anything else.
Is "Online Armour" a typo? Did you intend for me to download and utilize the following: Online Armor
Hi Tomk:
Is "Online Armor" (free software firewall) fully compatible with "Windows 2000 Professional" operating system?
Note: The following download site (As well as the software manufacturer's website) doesn't list this operating system. [external image: Posted Image]
Hi Tomk:
This program is confusing………….It expects me to somehow know exactly which stuff is safe and which is not safe.
During installation or soon thereafter a pop-up error message appeared as follows: [external image: Posted Image]
I found myself essentially guessing (based solely on name of program) as to what to approve as being safe. Please help me……I'm lost on many of these: [external image: Posted Image] [external image: Posted Image]
1.) What should I choose?
2.) Exactly how do I go back and change the (many) ones I skipped?
Note: I'm lost……Therefore, if you notice any questionable or wrong choices that were made by me up to this point (see above images)……..Please don't hesitate to correct me.
Hi Tomk:
I forgot to ask you about "Online Armor" firewall's "Hosts" screen as follows:
1.) Does this set itself automatically?……………….[or did I (I don't recall) allow everything?] [external image: Posted Image]
PS. Is "Online Armor" going to keep popping up (lower right hand corner of the screen) as asking me to authorize stuff?
If yes: How will I know what's safe and what's not safe (As those with negative intentions may intentionally misname things in order to make bad things appear as good.)?
Step_By_Step,
That screen is just showing you the contents of the host file you just set. You don't need to do anything with it.
For awhile, you will get some popups asking you to authorize. You should know whether or not to authorize based upon what you are doing. If you are not purposefully doing something, then do not authorize. These popups should occur less and less after a couple days. If you aren't sure about something, don't authorize. If that stops you from doing what you are trying to do, then authorize.
Hi Tomk:
I have a separate issue and I'm wondering where to get help on it.
I have an online web form which appears to have errors (according to netmechanic.com automated online validate program). My Webpage as online form
Are you able to assist me in repairing my web page code or are you able to recommend an automated program that will fix the code? Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter.
Hi Tomk:
I have a question regarding the Hosts file.
When I recently utilized "Spybot Search & Destroy" Immunize feature……………It was apparently unable to immunize as "Online Armor" may have poped up seeking permission and then after (If I recall correctly) I gave permission to "Online Armor" firewall - Then it appears that somehow or other "Spybot Search & Destroy" appears to have altered the Hosts file. I then clicked on "HostsXpert 4.3" and was surprised to see that the list of Host files appears to have changed (Unless I'm wrong?) to include a mention of "Spybot Search & Destroy"" and whatever else was affected. [external image: Posted Image]
I had previously thought that "HostsXpert" was set to "Make ReadOnly". However that setting had apparently changed as "Spybot Search & Destroy" (Immunize feature) was apparently able to change the Hosts file.
As you can see from the (see above) photo I once again clicked on "HostsXpert 4.3" "Make ReadOnly" setting in order to hopefully lock the Hosts File..
a) Is this supposed to occur?
b) At this point…………..What (if anything) should I do?
