Hi Guys,
I've always been a PC Windows machine (several actually and now all on Win7) user.
All connected on an internal network and the Internet. I don't ever remember using a PC without the net on it. I use the main beast for my Audio-everything (LAN net 24/7), and a couple other Win machines for Midi and recording (on wireless net 24/7). No laptops. Ever! (in the game of audio gigging). Yuk! Not even for analysis..
My network runs off the beautiful LG Super Multi N2A2 NAS. Just sublime, this machine.
All PC's/ mobiles/ tablets.. everything has a network through this box. Sharing anything you want.. like a breeze. Perfect!
The 4 main softwares, I have always used to safeguard my PC's are ..
A good Firewall/ Malwarebytes full version/ Ccleaner and SpyBot Search and Destroy. That's it!
For quick registry and computer errors fixups, TuneUp utilities or Ccleaner again.
Nothing else, and I have never been bitten hard enough to cripple the computer unusable. Never!
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Saying that, I don't run a studio for a living, nor do I do this as a full time gig.. or working in a studio for somebody else. And even If I did, it wouldn't be such a big deal to go on the net if required.
I would simply switch off the connection, when not required. Switch off the the LAN, via password permissions is another way. I would also unclick the LAN from the back of the PC to severe the physical connection. When needed, a simple pop back in. No biggie. Which reminds me, that ...at this point, right click on the Firewall/ Malware and exit them both. Engage them both, before jumping back online. DPC Latency checker will help to find if anything is hampering seamless audio work. Easy.
If getting on the net, be very choosy and quick about it all.
Essential audio related usages could be; Hardware-Updates or drivers or Plugin downloads or grabbing certain WINPC updates etc.. All other activities unrelated to an absolute Audio [must do requirement], can be done from other computers/networks ONLY. Do not surf the net on it as you can collect a lot of garbage just by doing that. You know the drill.
... and NEVER even try going on the net without a Firewall. If there was ONE thing you got out of this whole conversation here, it should be this. An absolute need for a FIREWALL at all times. I cannot stress this point enough. You have been warned.
FIREWALL= Prevention
All other softwares aforementioned= Cures
Also, when it come to firewalls, find the lightest and most intelligent ergonomical firewall.
DO NOT install Norton or Symantec etc.. Too bulky, and they drag the whole operating system down and impossible to fully uninstall. An absolute disaster for Audio computers. All the above mentioned softwares I use are the absolute opposite and work a treat. Light and nimble, plus, they don't knock on the CPU at all. (DPC Latency checker again)
Hopefully, I've helped..
Regards all..
KAyo
Gosh.. I'm hungry. hmm..