Re: Allowing Internet Access to Programs.

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Date: Sat, 3 Sep 2005 14:05:10 +0800

"bill" <bill@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:F5D4FAB1-B44E-4C2E-BB29-C866C2FE1716@microsoft.com...
> Hi, I am new to security issues, so, please be patient with my questions.
>
> I have Windows XP Home sp2, Broadband, Router firewall, One Care Beta, and
> varius anti-spyware.
>
> I have just become aware, through One Care firewall notice, that programs
> such as Real Player, Sonic Record Now, and MusicMatch are trying to access
> the internet without my knowing it.
>
> I set settings to disallow these programs access to the internet.
>
> My question is: Is this what you more knowledgable users do? Is there a
> downside for these settings?
>
> Thanks for your comments.

Greetings Bill,

Unfortunately, there is a very thin line between what is considered a
legitimate traffic being send from your computer to a 3rd party vendor, and
what can be simply consider as a violation of your privacy. A golden coin to
the one who can say for sure what is being transmitted back to software
maker, even if they claim they do not collect any personal data.

The software you have mentioned are well-known products. I use Sonic Record
here, but I opt not to send any information out (as you did). Simply because
I don't feel comfortable about it.

I would say the choice is yours. If you don't find that functionality of any
of the above products is somehow impaired by not allowing it to communicate
via Internet, then stay with it. Every now and then software vendors are
releasing updates to their products. You can grab them from their website.
And you can subscribe to their newsletter, so you will be up to speed when
it comes to critical updates (such as when security is a concern).

Personally, for products which I use, know and trust I don't mind to allow
automatic polling for updates (saves me time and trouble).

-- 
Arek Iskra
MVP for Windows Server - Software Distribution

• Previous message: Roger Abell [MVP]: "Re: Locking down Top Level Folders"
• In reply to: bill: "Allowing Internet Access to Programs."
• Next in thread: Robert Moir: "Re: Allowing Internet Access to Programs."
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