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Topic: New Software but No Internet Access |
Alan Brookes
From:
Brummy living in Southern California
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Posted 3 Jan 2012 8:57 am |
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I have a computer that I use in my music studio which intentionally has no internet access. I do this to prevent viruses damaging my work, and to keep out hackers.
Unfortunately, there are many programs nowadays which won't install without contacting the website of the manufacturer. At least with Microsoft you can call and get the code to verify installation, assuming you're prepared to wait.
By the way, I'm running Windows XP and have no intention of changing that. I regard it as far better than Vista.
Has anyone else come up against this problem? |
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Jack Stoner
From:
Kansas City, MO
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Posted 3 Jan 2012 3:00 pm
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Many have their DAW system off line. However as you have noted a lot of new software requires on-line, or at least on line to get it started. If you want the new software it's going to take going on line.
I recently installed Pro Tools MP9 and I had to be on line to get the ILok key registered.
Windows 7 is "Vista Improved". There is no reason to install Vista. If the hardware is Vista compatible, it can handle Windows 7.
Again, some new software is not Win XP or even Vista compatible. E.g. I download a 30 day trial version of Pro Tools 10 and it is ONLY Windows 7 (and MAC) compatible. |
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Ron Page
From:
Penn Yan, NY USA
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Posted 5 Jan 2012 9:50 am
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I just got a new system and went from XP Pro to Windows 7. I spared myself from Vista.
I would go ahead and get the online cababilites established and then you can disable them when you don't need to use them; pull the cable or shutdown your connection as necessary. Being unable to connect to the Internet renders the computer useless.
_________________
HagFan
Emmons Lashley LeGrande II |
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Jos Roderkerken
From:
The Netherlands
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Posted 8 Jan 2012 1:56 pm
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Like ron said, just plug in a network cable to register your program, then pull it out again.. No hacker or virus will find your pc in the 30 seconds youll need to acces the net  |
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Dave Potter
From:
Texas
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Posted 8 Jan 2012 3:24 pm
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| Jos Roderkerken wrote: |
| No hacker or virus will find your pc in the 30 seconds youll need to acces the net |
If you have a good firewall, and up-to-date anti-malware and anti-virus software installed, you'll more than likely be OK. If you don't, you're just chum in the water and anything can happen, anytime. |
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Papa Joe Pollick
From:
Swanton, Ohio
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Posted 8 Jan 2012 3:50 pm
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That can be a real bummer..I do the same with my recorder that Alan does and for the same reason..
Sometimes (not always),you can download to a flash or CD and move it to the recording machine..
I do have the on-line software loaded but not connected for the times that I might need it..
I've also found that some things won't load with virus protection and firewall active..
And as far as the bad guys not being able to get ya in the short time that you're downloading,I don't believe that..They're a lot smarter than this hillbilly..  |
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Wiz Feinberg
From:
Mid-Michigan, USA
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Posted 8 Jan 2012 8:41 pm
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I would not knowingly connect any computer, especially one running Windows XP and probably not even current with Windows Updates and vulnerability patches, to the Internet, unless it is protected by either a hardware or software firewall, or both.
Why?
Because Windows XP exposes raw sockets to the public Internet. These virtual sockets are used to establish various networking and Internet connections and to allow the transferring and sharing of files. If one was to make a direct connection to the Internet, via a modem to, or inside the computer, hostile packets sent from Internet Worms could establish a handshake on an exposed port and begin transferring malware files without one's knowledge.
Since most people who run XP do so using Administrator privileges, any connection from the Internet that sent self expanding files would have total run of the operating system. This could happen within seconds of establishing a TCP/IP connection to one's ISP.
Since the O.P. is running XP and announced that the machine has not been connected to the 'Net, chances are it is an out-dated version of XP, with the Windows Firewall possibly turned OFF by default. If he was to connect a cable from a broadband modem, or even a dial-up modem to that PC, with the firewall turned OFF, the machine would be pwned in seconds.
Rule number one for people running Windows XP, any service pack level: turn ON the Windows Firewall!
Rule number two: Make the very first connection to a website the Windows Update site. Install the latest version of the Windows Update ActiveX control, then repeatedly go back and keep checking for, downloading installing updates and rebooting as instructed. Each time you log back into Windows, run Windows Update again, until there are no more Express Updates. Then turn ON Automatic Windows Updates.
The next website you visit, after all Windows updates have completed, should be an anti-virus program from a legitimate vendor. Watch out for fake/rogue anti-virus programs that use blackhat SEO tricks to propel their evil websites to the top of search results.
Rule number 3: Update Internet Explorer to the latest version, 8.0, for XP, or 9.0 for Windows Vista or 7. IE 6 and earlier are hopelessly inadequate at protecting users from web-based threats.
The XP machine must be updated to service pack 3 to receive any Windows Updates or security patches.
I have only touched the surface here. Online security awareness is as important now ans taking drivers' training is to kids. There should be a test given by ISP's to new customers, to ensure that they are aware of security risks and remedies.
_________________
"Wiz" Feinberg, Moderator SGF Computers Forum
Security Consultant
Twitter: @Wizcrafts
Main web pages: Wiztunes Steel Guitar website | Wiz's Security Blog | My Webmaster Services | Wiz's Security Blog |
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Papa Joe Pollick
From:
Swanton, Ohio
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Posted 9 Jan 2012 6:03 am
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| Thanks Wiz..I'll be sure to follow your sound advice.. |
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Ron Page
From:
Penn Yan, NY USA
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Posted 9 Jan 2012 9:23 am
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| Wiz Feinberg wrote: |
I would not knowingly connect any computer, especially one running Windows XP and probably not even current with Windows Updates and vulnerability patches, to the Internet, unless it is protected by either a hardware or software firewall, or both.
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Sound advice. I wouldn't either and didn't mean to imply otherwise. I use both and I connect via a wireless router with its full security enabled.
_________________
HagFan
Emmons Lashley LeGrande II |
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Alan Brookes
From:
Brummy living in Southern California
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Posted 9 Jan 2012 11:09 am
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Gosh. I'm almost afraid to turn my computer on now.  |
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Jos Roderkerken
From:
The Netherlands
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Posted 9 Jan 2012 1:29 pm
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hmm some of you guys really sound paranoia...
Ive been downloading the most idiotic stuff for the last 5 years with only microsoft firewall and microsoft security essentials en uptil now never encountered a virus or worm or any other mallicious software crap on my pc..
use the firewall and before you actually enter a website use microsoft update and update to service pack 3..
As long as you stay of the porno and crack/hack/serial find sites and just keep to your registering and official update downloadpages nothing is going to happen..
only in holland we have about 6 million internet conections ( not counting the smartphones)
and thats just in holland.. there are over a 100 countrys around the world using internet.. and some of you are scared that they are comming after you? A normal person who likes to play a pedal steel guitar??
Sorry to say but you are not worthy enough...
Why bother a normal user if they can go after a big company?
As long as you use internet in a proper way, nothing is going to hapen..
As for getting internet on a xp machine..
Just plug in the enthernetplug... If your ethernet adapter is installed presto.. internet..
If not install the drivers from your mainboard install cd, plug in the cable and .. presto.. internet
Im not trying to kick some of you against the knees but lighten up... No hacker will find your IP, figure out who you are, what your security method is, then try to find an open poort, get past your hardware firewall in your router, move on to your pc's firewall, breaktrough your security essentials and nick your stuff..
as for worms and stuff.. no worm can find it's to your pc without you downloading a cookie or some other file and believe me.. These files are NOT on a dedicated server that companies use to register your program..
Like i said.. plug in register and pull out the cable, nothing is going to hapen in the 30 seconds your pc needs.. |
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Alan Brookes
From:
Brummy living in Southern California
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Posted 9 Jan 2012 3:15 pm
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Maar ik heb niet Internet Explorer op mijn muziek computer...
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Wiz Feinberg
From:
Mid-Michigan, USA
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Posted 9 Jan 2012 4:52 pm
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| Jos Roderkerken wrote: |
hmm some of you guys really sound paranoia...
Ive been downloading the most idiotic stuff for the last 5 years with only microsoft firewall and microsoft security essentials en uptil now never encountered a virus or worm or any other mallicious software crap on my pc..
use the firewall and before you actually enter a website use microsoft update and update to service pack 3..
As long as you stay of the porno and crack/hack/serial find sites and just keep to your registering and official update downloadpages nothing is going to happen..
only in holland we have about 6 million internet conections ( not counting the smartphones)
and thats just in holland.. there are over a 100 countrys around the world using internet.. and some of you are scared that they are comming after you? A normal person who likes to play a pedal steel guitar??
Sorry to say but you are not worthy enough...
Why bother a normal user if they can go after a big company?
As long as you use internet in a proper way, nothing is going to hapen..
As for getting internet on a xp machine..
Just plug in the enthernetplug... If your ethernet adapter is installed presto.. internet..
If not install the drivers from your mainboard install cd, plug in the cable and .. presto.. internet ;)
Im not trying to kick some of you against the knees but lighten up... No hacker will find your IP, figure out who you are, what your security method is, then try to find an open poort, get past your hardware firewall in your router, move on to your pc's firewall, breaktrough your security essentials and nick your stuff..
as for worms and stuff.. no worm can find it's to your pc without you downloading a cookie or some other file and believe me.. These files are NOT on a dedicated server that companies use to register your program..
Like i said.. plug in register and pull out the cable, nothing is going to hapen in the 30 seconds your pc needs.. |
I said unless he has either a hardware or software firewall, he is in danger from TCP/IP port scans and worms. He does have a hardware firewall in the wireless router (or wired via RJ45 cable), so he is safe from most port scans. But, some wireless routers are not properly secured and may allow remote Administration and exploits via UPnP connections. This is how the MS Blaster Worm spread so quickly (unsecured ports or direct connection to modem and no firewall).
I also have not become infected in many years of online activity, but, it is because I operate with reduced user privileges and use Firefox with the NoScript Add-on and Trend Micro Internet Security, which blocks known bad pages from loading at all. I also use MBAM with real time protection as a backup. I do visit dangerous websites, in my research. I take no chances, even though I am not an Administrator.
_________________
"Wiz" Feinberg, Moderator SGF Computers Forum
Security Consultant
Twitter: @Wizcrafts
Main web pages: Wiztunes Steel Guitar website | Wiz's Security Blog | My Webmaster Services | Wiz's Security Blog |
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Jos Roderkerken
From:
The Netherlands
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Posted 10 Jan 2012 3:00 pm
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true true.. I don't know how it is in usa but here in holland the routers are supplied with firewall's that can stop 80 % of the viral problems and the isp filter a lot of crap that creeps though your cables 
For Alan..
If you insert the internet cable and go to your control panel you will find a icon called windows update..
Click on it, search for updates and install the updates..
when it finished installing service pack 3 it will install explorer 9.[sarcasm] it may take a while[/sarcasm]
but its a good thing to install the newest updates. not only for internet stuff but also new hardware drivers that will make it easyer to use things like bigger usb sticks and external hdd's |
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Wiz Feinberg
From:
Mid-Michigan, USA
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Jos Roderkerken
From:
The Netherlands
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Posted 11 Jan 2012 8:23 am
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touche .
But still the changes of a massive port tracking or worm attack is almost nihil to people like alan.
Well Alan's music PC, we don't know what kinds of freaky pages he visits on his laptop Sorry alan coulnt resist it
Wiz the programs you use to protect your pc, do they work on a xp machine with no service packs?
maby it's a idear to install these programs by usb stick and work from there... ? |
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