I decided to get a second computer that is not connected to the internet at all. The one that will be connected (a Mac) will have next to nothing else on it. I am tired of dealing with all the security issues. I've had two drives trashed depite having paid for programs to prevent that. I need a printer that does not need to be connected to a computer to print as well.

I hope this works out better.

Having an internet computer and an off-line "work" computer is definitely the way to go if you can set things up that way.

Good luck Delta!

One of the best security investments is a hardware firewall/router, which is a simple device that sits between your internet modem and your machines. Looks like you can get them for less than US$20 in the States (, there are lots of other makes/models and you can get ones that do wireless as well).

Just put the firewall/router between your Internet connection (plug outlet from the modem into the WAN port on the firewall) and then connect your machines to the firewall/router, and follow the operating instructions to make sure the firewall settings are active. (Also need to make sure the machines behind the firewall are 'clean' to prevent them bypassing the firewall, and if you are using wireless make that should security controlled as well.)

Since using a hardware firewall, a decent antivirus program, security on my wireless and only installing apps from trusted suppliers, my systems run clean and stay clean.

Which reminds me of another annoying problem:
Your internet modem (e.g. cable modem) may already have inbuilt firewall capabilities but they are switched off by default! Leaving this off by default doesn't make sense to me, because almost everyone should have this facility active but don't know how to switch it on (or even that they should), and the people who use these devices in ways that don't warrant the firewall functions usually know how to deactivate them.
(If these firewalls were standard and active by default on all internet modems, there would be a lot less online hacking.)

I just use my Mac for everything, however, I don't operate in the default Administrator mode. I created a highly privileged Guest account and use that for my internet-ing. That way if my machine gets hijacked it's just a Guest account and I can go in through the Administrator account and clean house.

Been using Windows 7 (64-bit) on my primary computer for the last two years and have had zero security issues. All I use is AVG. Hmmm...

Zen, I am going to do what you suggested. I ordered the thing from Amazon. Thank all of you for your input on this problem. I don't have a WiFi set up. The reason is that I just had to draw line as to how far I can handle new technology.

Thanks, Zen. I'll let you know how it goes.

Were are lucky here, firewalls must be set to ON for default.
The major problems with people bring in overseas models. they are set to off.
Had to fix a few for those ebay purchases, after my fee they would have been better buying local.
Still cannot tell some people.....