[Buckeroo]

I don't understand why folks don't secure their 'puter boxes (of any OS flavor) with a hardware firewall. It is easy and inexpensive while requiring no attention for monitoring software.

Oh well, the internet has been public for only 10 years .......

[webster]

Yes, agreed...I run both a hardware and software firewall.

[elfman2]

"I don't understand why folks don't secure their 'puter boxes (of any OS flavor) with a hardware firewall. It is easy and inexpensive while requiring no attention for monitoring software."

Because most people can't even set the timer on their VCR.

I agree firewalls help, but they are not foolproof. If the user runs an emailed executable, it could still take residence and mask its communication as being from a browser that the firewall will have already been set up to allow penetration.