Preventing hackers from stealing your money - please read.

[sublime]

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I of course take issue with your claim that a non-pirated version of XP is unacceptable. For one thing, Windows updates are not verified against serial numbers, you will get them anyway.

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Try getting SP2 or other updates using a pirated version. They have authentication programs now.

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i have windows xp pro. what is this SP2 thing? should i update? i have no idea.

[SomethingClever]

I'm pretty sure that if you turn on automatic updates, windows will install everything, including SP2, even into pirated copies of the software.

[SomethingClever]

Also, tyvm for the guide, I just ordered that router.

[d-baggery]

SP2 is teh suck. See here

[Reef]

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Using wireless Internet for online poker is dangerous and not recommended. You are putting yourself at higher risk for comfort. If this is okay with you, so be it.

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Any security measures we can take if non-wireless is not an option?

[d-baggery]

Ok, I truly believe that most of the Zoo is seeing monsters under the bed in terms of protection. While a wireless network is inherently less secure than a wired one, you are still a longshot from even 1% risk (estimated) with even the lowest WEP encryption.

Basically it's like this: WEP is breakable if you are a hacker, however so are hardware and software firewalls. It's like putting an alarm on your car. I mean sure it helps but if someone REALLY wants into your computer, they will get in. I run a wireless network without fear, and you can too.

[sublime]

coldcaller-

is this modem ok?

sb5100 motorola surfboard

[MicroBob]

Saved to my favorite threads and greatly appreciated from this novice computer user with a decent percentage of my funds floating around in cyber-space.

I will certainly be incorporating as many of these steps as I can.


My Dad who has significantly more money than me floating around in various accounts (stock-trading and what-not) will get a copy of this as well.

Thanks again for helping out all of us computer-morons.

[Harruin]

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SP2 is teh suck. See here

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That was in 2004. Get with the times and end you're bizarre fear of updates.

Also the nonsense about a backdoor being built into a copy of xp is pretty unlikely. These days some software is safer to pirate for your computer (mainly programs that have restricting copy protection).

[smartalecc5]

Nice post. Great ideas.