Help! Should I allow applications access to the internet?

red

Hi, I am really sorry but I am suddenly becoming aware of my vast amounts of lack of knowledge and I am a bit stuck. I recently bought a new Dell and had it loaded with McAfee security software as I co internet banking and some internet shopping so thought it was probably safer. Since it has come out of the box, I keep getting these "red alerts" from McAfee with different applications requesting access to the internet. It is mainly Google Desktop and other applications and I do not know whether these are crucial updates or if it is monitoring my usage or what....I don't want to affect the secuirty of the computer and so I do not know whether granting access does that.

I don't even know whether the McAfee is adequate protection? I'm with Virgin media and they keep telling me I need their security to protect my internet usage?

Sorry, I feel this is probably something everyone knows but I truly don't so if anyone has the time to respond I'll be very grateful...thanks in advance...

Little_John

Virgin are trying to sell you their package so obviously you need to buy it ignore them and buy what you wantyou dont need to buy their software unless you want to.

as for allowing programs to access the internet normally I would say yes if you have just installed somthing you want to use or have just opened a program that requires internet access. if you are doing nothing or usng a program that has ased in the past for access and you have granted it permanatly and you get a request for access then check it out before agreeing, search for the filename in google or somthing.

red

thanks littlejohn...this is always google desktop requesting access or cfd.exe? does that mean anything to you?

BillScarab

You don't need Virgin Media's security package, they want you to have it as you have to pay for it. McAfee is Ok but is renowned for using a lot of resources and once your free trial period is up you will have to pay for it.

You can secure your PC using free tools like AVG, ZoneAlarm, Defender, AdAware & Spybot. There is lots of info on this forum about this if you decide to go down the free route.

As for the alerts you're getting you're the only one that can decide if things need internet access. Obviously things like IE or Outlook need access ro they're pointless. A lot of applications need access to check for updates. Personally if the application asking for access is something I recognise and is from a well known, reputable company I will allow it access.

If something you don't recognise asks for access, google it and see what you can find out about it before allowing access.

R0CKY

McAfee is a PIA, but the rule is the same whatever firewall you are using. When you get an alert, make a note of the filename that is trying to access the web. If you recognise it (ie google taksbar) then click allow, and hopefully that's the last you'll hear from that tool (until it updates to a new version).

If you do NOT recognise it (ie you dont know what the file is and it is obvoiusly not an app you just installed 2 minutes ago) then you want to use google. Type the exact filename in to google, that's all, nothing else, and see what google returns. Usually you can see just by the search result listings if it is malware or a virus, but if you want to read more just click on the best looking search result.

There are many many windows XP (or Vista) services that you will not have heard of that require legitimate net access, so never deny access to something just because you don't know what it is - Google is your friend.