OK technogeeks, what is the probability (possibility) of a machine left on 24/7 being compromised by a hacker for spam, spyware, viruses, etc.?
I run ALL my machines through a router which is connected to the internet. Hiding a machine behind a router greatly reduces the chances of getting hit by ‘drive by’ villians.
Once, I took one of my machines off the router and exposed it directly to the internet and within 30 seconds, I got hit with a virus.
Since I’ve been running behind the router, I’ve never had any virus at all. I even had my anti-virus, anti-spyware, and anti-rootkit uninstalled for several monthe with no ill effect.
I don’t recommend running without the anti-virus etc protection, but the router absolutely stops most attempts to even get in.
The only way can possibly get a virus would be to download some ‘freeware’ or visit a contaminated site, or possibly through email. If I am dumb enough to visit contaminated web sites, then I deserve what I would get hit with.