> The biggest cause of malware/virus infections is the person using the
> computer not the software/hardware they have.
>
> Security is a process not a piece of hardware or software. If you learn
> the security features of your browser/OS and use proper security
> techniques such as not opening unsolicted attachments, keeping your
> software patched and up to date and avoiding malicous web sites you will
> find that you don't need to spend time cleaning up malware/viruses.

Agreed 100%. Very well put.


> FWIW I run my system without a firewall on a high speed connection or a
> real time virus scanner and have yet to have a security incident in the
> MANY years I have run this way. I do regular scans for spyware and viruses
> and have yet to have found even a malicious cookie. I don't recommend you
> run this way with a shared computer, if you have kids, or can't be
> bothered to practice safe hex.

I share your experiences. However, I probably would not run without some sort of
a firewall on a Windows XP based system (could be router-based, the one with
Windows XP SP2, or third party).