Solved: General Security Questions

I am running Windows XP and Windows ME on my two computers. I have Symantec Norton Anti-Virus installed on both and keep both current. I also have a home network hooked up through a Linksys BEFW11S4 Wireless Router. Every on-line test for security that I run indicates "stealth" mode for every port. So far I have never had any virus on either computer, and very little problem with Adware - only a little from RealPlayer.

My question is twofold:

1. Do I need an additional firewall in addition to the one built into my router - which seems to keep them in "stealth" mode?

2. Do I need some sort of program to deal with Adware - even tho I don't seem to have a problem yet? I never let Gator install when they try - lol.

I keep my virus definitions updated and run virus scans, regularly, run scan disk and defragment regularly, and try to keep the systems cleaned up on a weekly basis. I also have Window Washer installed on both, which is used daily.

Appreciate any suggestions anyone can make in this area. Thanks.

 

you have no probs................only use one firewall,yours sounds like its doing the job.

"spybot" is prefered to "adaware" (until the next version and you still should have both)
http://beam.to/spybotsdhttp:
"spywareblaster"
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/spywareblaster.html
"spywareguard"
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/spywareguard.html
all good to have...keep with the updates.