I wish I could go back and edit my first post here - I would add a comment about using a router with NAT. Everyone with broadband, cable or DSL, even if only using a single computer, should be using one. And there are several models that support dial-up too. With NAT, the router assumes the IP address assigned by your ISP and then assigns a new IP to each device attached to your network (your network being everything on your side of the router). This adds yet another layer of defense between you and the bad guys.

Thanks for the advice about credit bureaus. I have been watching my bank account statement and nothing unusual has shown up, but I hadn't considered those other possibilities.

Originally Posted by paulthomasno6

I learned the hard way that going unprotected on the internet is as stupid as going naked to the supermarket. You'll attract plenty of attention, all of the wrong sort.

So what happened in the supermarket?

So what happened in the supermarket?

When the checker rang up his bill, all any one noticed was,



...he was a bit short!