Is Win 98 relatively secure?

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MD - 28 Mar 2006 13:36 GMT

I have an older Win 98 SE computer that I would like to install as a
cad machine and second computer. I always keep up virus definitions,
windows updates, and spy and ad removal programs current.

Is this thing secure enough to leave connected 24/7 and conduct
e-commerce?

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MBIEnt - 10 Apr 2006 23:52 GMT

I don't seem to have a problem with security, but I do have a
performance problem if I leave my Win98 machine attached to the
Internet and responding to hits for an extended period of time (24-36
hours). It gets so bogged down, I have to re-boot to get it to respond
of do anything.

Seems some apps have a 'memory leak' problem that continue to nibble
away at system resources, to the point where it's almost standing
still. I think mine is the Aironet Client Utility driving the cisco
NIC.

Perhaps some one will enlighten us on both scores, how to maximize
security and how to minimize memory leakage for Win98 machines
interfacing with the Internet full time.

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NG User - 11 Apr 2006 03:34 GMT

If your system is connected 24/7 to the Internet, either a hardware or
software firewall is definately recommended! If you don't have either,
download and install ZoneAlarm from www.zonelabs.com

Make sure your system has all of the Windows updates

Check your system for spyware with AdAware from www.lavasoft.com and Spybot.

HTH...

> I don't seem to have a problem with security, but I do have a
> performance problem if I leave my Win98 machine attached to the
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> security and how to minimize memory leakage for Win98 machines
> interfacing with the Internet full time.

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Fuzzy Logic - 11 Apr 2006 18:13 GMT

> If your system is connected 24/7 to the Internet, either a hardware or
> software firewall is definately recommended! If you don't have either,
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>
> HTH...

A default configuration of Windows 98 (with file sharing disabled) has no
open ports so a firewall is not required. If you wish to see attempted
access install a firewall. If you are running a web or ftp server or other
services a firewall is recommended.

>> I don't seem to have a problem with security, but I do have a
>> performance problem if I leave my Win98 machine attached to the
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
>> security and how to minimize memory leakage for Win98 machines
>> interfacing with the Internet full time.

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MBIEnt - 03 May 2006 05:39 GMT

I have ZA installed, file share is disabled, plus Avast AV, Spyware
Blaster and Peer Guardian, all installed and updated daily. Also
update and run Spybot, AdAware and Yahoo Anti-Spy on a daily basis.
Nothing ever found, but after 24 hours, the whole thing is running
awfully slowly. The only thing to do is reboot and then it takes off
in high gear for another 10-12 hours and then gradually it all gets
bogged down again. Never find any bad stuff on the system.

Would like to know how to check to see how the system resources are
being depleted and by what application. Any ideas?

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