Keep your privacy level set to BLOCK unless you need the cookies (like for this site). That takes care of most adware. Delete you temporary internet files at least once a day, run an anti-virus program and scan with Adaware every once in a while. I hate Spybot. It hasn't downloaded an update in like six months (I check every time I open it) whereas my anti-virus has one every day and Adaware has at least one a week.
And for you Mac snobs, yeah, they're great but it's far more difficult to find software and what is available is way expensive. Not that I would be using any cracked software or anything but finding cracks for Mac is way hard. Plus I don't think Macs handle most web based stuff anywhere near as well as a PC. Oh, and there's the issue with finding any good games in Mac format but I'm sure none of you Mac snobs would stoop so low as to want to play kick ass interactive online games.
Faster internet thingy
For DSL service, I totally recommend Speakeasy. ( www.speakeasy.net ) It's a bit pricier than other DSL providers, but the service has been way better than other companies. They've gone to bat for me against the phone company to get them to fix the static on my line, and on other issues they have actually called me back to make sure that the problem was resolved! Plus, in terms of their policies towards users, they're great. Comcast (cable) has been sending letters to customers saying "You're using your connection too much. Stop or we'll cut you off." When people ask "How much is too much?", Comcast won't tell them. Plus other ISPs (e.g. Comcast) actually block certain ports and protocols (unless you pay them more....)
They only think I can't do with my Powerbook is some of the network management stuff. Otherwise, I can do what ever with normally priced off the shelf stuff, or with open source unix ports. You would be suprised at what is out there for free for the mac, and the stuff is usually much better the pc based free/shareware. Firefox+OS X = no adware/spyware.
Steve, if you are just going to be surfing, then get the cable internet thing and get rid of your phone line. Just use cell phones. If you want to host a server or get into P2P or gaming, then DSL might be a better choice. Also, I *think* you can unbundle DSL and local service now. And I think you can do the same with cable. I would recomend a hardware firewall as well. Makes life better. Linksys or Netgear are cheap and OK. Sonicwall is cool. You can get a cable modem/firewall/wireless AP all in one pretty cheap these days.
Wes
Steve, if you are just going to be surfing, then get the cable internet thing and get rid of your phone line. Just use cell phones. If you want to host a server or get into P2P or gaming, then DSL might be a better choice. Also, I *think* you can unbundle DSL and local service now. And I think you can do the same with cable. I would recomend a hardware firewall as well. Makes life better. Linksys or Netgear are cheap and OK. Sonicwall is cool. You can get a cable modem/firewall/wireless AP all in one pretty cheap these days.
Wes
"There is no secret ingredient"
Po, the kung fu panda
Po, the kung fu panda
You are quite right about the gaming issue and I wouldn't be surprised if finding cracks is harder for Mac versions of apps, but you're totally off on the web issue. Apple's Safari works for 99.9% of things, and for the remaining odds and ends, you can always fire up Internet Explorer for Mac. Unless by 'handle most web stuff' you mean 'run a browser that's chock full of security holes' or 'get infected with spyware'. I'll only do online banking/bill paying with Safari.Alan Evil wrote:And for you Mac snobs, yeah, they're great but it's far more difficult to find software and what is available is way expensive. Not that I would be using any cracked software or anything but finding cracks for Mac is way hard. Plus I don't think Macs handle most web based stuff anywhere near as well as a PC. Oh, and there's the issue with finding any good games in Mac format but I'm sure none of you Mac snobs would stoop so low as to want to play kick ass interactive online games.
Same here.
Cable Internet, two cell phones.
Got really tired of shelling out money to Ma Bell.
Like you say Sprag, no solicitors, and long distance included.
Of course I can't stand cable tv since they changed everything around and removed some stations so I switched to satalite.
I may not be the most money savy person, but if you piss me off, I'll drop you like a hot potatoe, even if it costs me a little more.
Cable Internet, two cell phones.
Got really tired of shelling out money to Ma Bell.
Like you say Sprag, no solicitors, and long distance included.
Of course I can't stand cable tv since they changed everything around and removed some stations so I switched to satalite.
I may not be the most money savy person, but if you piss me off, I'll drop you like a hot potatoe, even if it costs me a little more.