DSL modem question

[LugwidVanB]

I just installed a dsl modem and it appears that, like cable, the computer remains connected to the internet whenever it is on (is this right?) I noticed that the computer began to slow and ran adaware which detected 58 critical objects (data miners?). Is this because the comptuter is always connected and is there a solution to stop these rats  ??? from infecting the computer? Will using firefox prevent it? I have win98 1st. Thanks for any  input.

Tom

[Bill]

You should have a program known as a firewall to protect your system, particularly with an O/S like win98.  Zone Alarm is a free firewall that I have used for years and there are many others, not all free.
And yes, the computer is connected to the web all the time. 

Install a firewall program and then run as many anti-virus programs as you have or can get.

Bill

[LugwidVanB]

Thanks Bill for such a quick reply. I will try your advice now.

[LugwidVanB]

Oops, I replied too soon. Zone Alarm works only with Vista and XP. Is firefox or any other as effective? Thanks.

[Bill]

Firefox is a browser not a firewall.  Firefox offers no protection against these kinds of malware.
I used earlier versions of Zone Alarm with 98SE.  Try a google search for an early version of ZA.
You might also try a google search for other free firewall programs for win98.

Bill

You might try this link for an older version:
http://oldversion.com/program.php?n=zalarm

B-

[scuzzy]

I have been happily using the free (and excellent) COMODO firewall, available through this link.

[LugwidVanB]

I'm still trying to find a firewall that works with this os. I went to the za site for older versions as you suggested. The earliest version doesn't work with 98 1st. The comodo firewall doesn't work with 98 1st. I discovered Agnitum with says it's free trial version 4.0 works with 98 1st so I downloaded it. It appears to work but doesn't stop spyware. After installing it and connecting to the net several times I ran its spyware detection program. It detected 7 data miners. I then ran AdAware SE and it detected 18 data miners after I had removed the ones fround by Agnitum. Does anyone have experience with Agnitum and is it supposed to prevent data miners. Thanks.