Computer newbies: Newbie's shouldn't jump to Firefox Browser

I am with you 1000%

The only time that I know that I had a virus on my computer was before the internet as we now know it to be. I got it from my college computer. In those days we took our floppy's with us to bring stuff from campus back to our home computer. I did pick up a virus there, but fortunately I had an anti-virus program back then (1994)- though it was not much of a program by today's standards, but the company did stand behind their product and after a call, they did tell me how to get rid of the virus. I have kept anti-virus software programs on my computer since.

Toni, I do take more precautions than you do.

Like you I have had no problems using windows (3.1, 95, 98SE, Me, Xp) or IE (3, 4, 5, or 6)(well that is not quite true, I did have problems with windows 98SE and ME). I have tried to keep my computer as safe as I know how without having to be an expert in computer technology. I make sure that all updates are downloaded and installed. Every other year I buy the current Anti-virus software from either Symantec or McAfee and keep it up to date and every other week I run AVG (after turning off my regular program) to see if it picks up something that the other did not. (so far - nothing), I also use Spy Sweeper and then periodically use a free program to check against it. I have a popup blocker, I use Zone Alarm Pro 2006 and also run my computer through a Linksys router. My connection to the internet is via USB, then to a Linksys ethernet adapter before going into the router. Whenever I leave my computer I unplug my connection from the Linksys ethernet adapter in odrer to reduce my exposure to hackers - this is the only thing that I consciously have to do and it only takes a second because the adapter is right by my mouse. My Anti-virus software does check my email and like you I do not use the preview pane. I am not too concerned over my email because the only people who have my email address are my children. All other emails goes into a junk folder that gets deleted without looking at it. I use webmail for 99% of my correspondence.

I know there will be people who say that I probably have viruses on my computer without knowing it. I doubt that because when I once had a computer problem and went to Microsoft for help they ran a check and found no virus and I have done that with several other firms who will run a one time check and they found nothing.

Some might say that I probably don't visit "questionable" websites. I do from time to time and my various anti-virus progarms scream at me, but they do block everything.

Some might say that I am not a newbie, but because of my advanced age ( I have been around for 3/4 of a century)my brain acts quite slowly and sometimes it seems with great effort.)I consider anything less than 25 years as a short time.

Jayfin