b'band switched off

[tali122]

when im away from my pc for 20 mins or more i switch off my b'band modem and therefore become offline to "stop port attacks and hackers" - is this actually a security measure im doing or completely pointless?

ps - will going offline this way "free up" net traffic /bandwidth for other net users?

[sholay]

If you have firewall, anti-virus or internet security on your computer (which you almost certainly do have otherwise you'd know) then I'd say switching the broadband off is absolutely pointless. Hackers don't wait until you move away from the computer before attcking!

Also any bandwidth you do free up would be insignificant in worldwide terms and almost immeasurable.

[Ethel]

Use this programme to see just how secure you are:

http://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?rh1dkyd2

If that link doesn't work - google Shields Up.

[sparkyharky]

...And if you don't have a firewall installed then you will certainly be wasting your time, as the hackers & trojans and the like will all be getting into your PC whilst you ARE connected !