ZoneAlarm isn't bad, although hardware firewalls are better. I have Seagate's software firewall at home (which doesn't like Mudcat at ALL). I have a laptop, so I just close the lid and it's off. Maybe I'm paranoid, but I'd rather have the computer off and in a mode that it can't be turned on :)

I would guess you're fine, though. I've had my IP address attacked and Seagate caught it beautifully.

Only $51??? Last time my CC was stolen, they racked up about $500 in online porn in less than a month. A co-worker did it, I know, our retail department had an insecure system and you could see everyone's credit card numbers! My CC card company calls me if I buy a $300 bow, but not if "I" buy porn... *sigh*

Murray, they used to have freebie public domain dial-up, but I don't think it exists anymore. Then there were some freebie services like Juno, but they spammed you with ads (Of course, if you're used to AOL, you're used to that!). I think the only one left with an actual FREE account is NetZero, and they only give you 10 hours a month -- and they still spam you with ads.