I have to buy a new system for home.
My poor machine is 7 years old. At the time I bought it it was top of the line now - not so hot. I've been running on windows 98 without a router.
I also have not 1 but 2 keyloggers apparently who have hacked into my computer. Gross!
One slipped up a few weeks ago and I figured it was him. I kind of said something somewhere casually and he later commented on it.
Okay I can handle that - but now-
Now just yesterday number 2 screwed up and revealled himself as well. Must have had serveral windows open, and inadvertently sent me a message intended for someone else, commenting on this entire keylogger message junk.
NUTS!
I received a followup message shortly after
"Did I upset you?"

So now comes a whole new system with router, rootware, xp professional etc.
It's going to cost me a small fortune.

I don't really have things that are super secrets... but just the idea of no privacy and someone doing this spying and snooping is yucky. I want to just turn off the computer, but I do use it for so much I don't want to be forced into giving it up.

Sorry for this mini rant, I am a bit miffed at the invassion, inconvience, and the expense of it all.
I thought my days of dealing with crazy were behind me after the divorce.
Any security suggestions are welcome.
I know if I hit future shop or staples etc they will try to sell me everything, I really do not have the knowledge to know what I should have as part of and for my new system.
Thanks everyone!
Be well,
Harmony

Aw, nobody's ever tried to hack me. I feel left out of the whole experience. Or wait, maybe I've just been oblivious to it.

I never really thought about security until this past year, when I noticed that wherever I live, I am now starting to see other wireless networks nearby. My remote connection for work is very secure, but when I'm just connected normally via my wireless network, I had no protection. Now, at least, I'm encrypted, and I keep my work firewall on all the time, for safety.

Sorry you've had to go through that crap. It's kind of like having your house broken into...some creepy people, poking around your stuff. Just yucky.

You're right about the Future Shop folks...every system out there seems excessive for what the average person really needs, and then, on top of that, they try to get you to get extended service. I'd almost rather deal with hackers.

I haven't had to buy a system for years now (I use my work laptop most of the time), but I might be able to offer some technical advice.

Good luck,

Chris

Thanks Chris
Once I pick out the hardware I will also buy a router system (wireless)
I have a dell system upstairs in my son's room that is not hooked up to the internet.
He is seven and I was concerned of strangers online. LOL. He probally would have spotted something was off before his old mom.
If I do this properly with the router, firewall and all the techno goodies I will hook him up as well, with limited access to Cartoon Network . com and a few kid safe sites.

I have to compile a list of what I need and want and go in to purchased prepared.
LOL
those 19 inch flat panels... oooooooooh so pretty.
graphics... and dvd burners.. etc.
Hey, cool toys appeal to all.
I must be strong and resist the temptations.
Be well and thanks,
Harmony

This has been my experience, I am not sure if there is a Staples near you but thats who I bought my system from and they were awesome. No pressure let me choose and they made suggestions. Also when I had to hook up my keyboard after moving found it didn't work so took it to them and with in 5 minutes they fixed it. Bent the little peg things. Now a friend of mine bought theres from future shop and I like them also don't get me wrong but they took there system in because of what ever reason and have yet to get it back it is now going on 3 months. Yeah the bells and whistles are cool and I fight very hard not to let Mastercard predict what i will buy.