Alright then - thanks, stressedmum-ga!
Here's what I said in our previous 'conversation'.
----------------
With regards to fixing your network problems:
I would suggest updating to Mac OS X 10.2.8, which includes numerous
fixes for all parts of the system, including networking code.
You can get the (large) update here:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=120244
If you can afford Panther (Mac OS X 10.3), that would be an even
better way to update your Macintosh Operating System software so that
you have the latest, greatest, and fastest (Panther is significantly
faster than Jaguar, or OS X 10.2.x) system.
Updating your operating system will possibly fix your problems 1. and
2. Turning off your firewall, which may be interfering with data
packets entering and exiting your computer, may fix your banking
problem. Try it, and see if it's faster. If not, you can turn it back
on.
As for the last problem - data transfer is normal, as your computer
regularly sends packets to your ISP about the state of the connection
- "I'm here"; "I'm still here", etc. I believe the bandwidth meters
are adjusted to report the relative traffic within the last few
seconds; therefore, if the connection has been quiet for a while but a
small data packet (i.e. a few bytes) is sent over the connection, the
meter records it as a spike. This appears to be huge data transfer to
you (the human) when it usually is not.
Your Mac may also query Apple's Time Servers to synchronize its
internal clock; this happens once every few days.
With regards to Classic compatibility and the Mac OS X upgrade:
As far as I know, the functionality of your Classic apps will be
maintained or enhanced. There exists a (very) small risk, as with ANY
system software update, that something may be mucked up, resulting in
an unusable system and/or loss of functionaity.
From the Mac OS X 10.2.8 update description:
[emphasis added]
The 10.2.8 Update (Build 6R73) delivers enhanced functionality and
improved reliability for the following applications, utilities,
services, and technologies: Audio, Address Book, AppleScript,
Bluetooth, ****CLASSIC**** compatibility, Disk Copy, Disk Utility,
Finder, Graphics, Help Viewer, iChat, Image Capture, IP Firewall,
Kerberos, Mail, OpenGL, Print Center, Rendezvous, Safari, and
Sherlock.
Therefore, not only may the update fix your current problems, but
it'll possibly make Word, Quark, and Photoshop run faster.
I personally use Mac OS X 10.3 (Panther) and have upgraded without any
problems. All my Classic apps work perfectly - in fact, Classic boots
much faster in Panther (OS X 10.3). An overwhelming majority of other
Mac users share my success. Some users report problems, but they are
rare and usually isolated.
If you are paranoid, you can backup crucial data and then upgrade.
This is the safest way, but usually unnecessary.
In other words, upgrade at your own risk! However, my opinion is that
upgrades provide benefits that outweigh the risks -- but just to be
safe, don't upgrade just before you need to submit that big project
you've been working on for three months!
The update also provides network fixes:
"The update includes improvements to AFP, LDAP, Web services, dial up
connections over PPP, and Windows file services, as well as audio,
disc recording, and printing improvements and FireWire, PC Card, SCSI
and USB device compatibility enhancements. It also includes an updated
ethernet driver for 450MHz and 500MHz dual processor Power Mac G4
desktop systems and an update to the battery status menu.
The update also provides updated security services and includes the
latest Security Updates."
With regards to Macintosh viruses (or lack thereof):
The current virus risk for Mac OS X users is extremely low, because
there are no viruses written for Mac OS X. Therefore, all risk is
hypothetical - perhaps in the future, a virus-writer will create such
a malicious program targeting specifically Mac OS X. However, right
now, there are no OS X viruses.
Mac OS 9 users need not worry either, as there are few viruses for the
Classic operating system. The most recent Mac virus was the AutoStart
worm, which works only in limited circumstances and is difficult to
spread.
According to MacObserver
(http://www.macobserver.com/editorial/2003/08/29.1.shtml), there are
553 Word Macro viruses (viruses that execute when you launch an
infected Microsoft Word file), 26 Mac Classic viruses, and zero Mac OS
X viruses.
The Register puts the number of Mac viruses at about 40.
(http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/56/33226.html)
Word macro viruses can be quenched by disabling macro execution upon
the launch of a document. If you want instructions on how to this,
scroll down.
Compare these virus numbers with Windows PC viruses, for which there
are more than 60,000 and growing daily.
Obviously, the most security-conscious Macintosh user would still run
anti-virus software. Apple provides Virex through its .Mac
subscription for USD$99/year. Symantec's Norton Anti-Virus 9 is also a
competent anti-virus product for Macintosh.
For more information:
http://www.mac.com/
http://www.symantec.com/nav/nav_mac/
In general, good security practices to minimize the risks of virus
infection and security breaches should be taken, such as:
- turning off root access, if enabled (it's disabled by default)
- turning on Mac OS X's built-in firewall (off be default)
- disabling unused services (ftp, ssh, Telnet, rlogin, http) (all off by default)
For more information about AutoStart:
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/autostart.9805.html
For more information about Mac viruses:
http://www.securemac.com/datarecover.php
For Apple's take on security:
http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/security/
To disable macro execution:
Open Word:Mac 2001.
Create a blank Word document.
Go to the menus - Edit: Preferences.
Under the General tab, select "Macro virus protection".
Click OK. (You're done.)
Hope this helps! Good luck with your Mac!
- supermacman-ga
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