if my DSL connection is open but i dont have any browsers open, can a
virus still come in to my computer?

Roger

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Clarification of Question by fotoflo-ga on 17 Dec 2005 08:25 PST

I dont want to have to install antivirus software and spyware and IE^
and all of those security updates on computers that need to be
connected to the internet for software upgrades or registration only.

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Clarification of Question by fotoflo-ga on 17 Dec 2005 08:28 PST

and i wont be installing email on these computers either, so i cant
get a virus that way.

What OS are you running?
Is it XP?
Is it XP sp2?

A type of malware that is arguably worse than a virus is a "worm" that
propagates through the internet.  Protection from worms is through a
"firewall" and everyone who ever connects to the internet should have
a a FW.
When you have a internet connetion open, whether DSL or not, your
machine exposes it's address to the world.  Your address have hundreds
of sub addresses called "ports" that are open and allow unsolicited
callers to invoke the services of programs that Windows XP runs in the
background.  That would be like a strnger calling your office and
asking your secretary to collect a list of all your financial data. 
She wouldn't do it, but an XP program would.

If you are running XP SP2 then it includes a basic firewall to block
incoming (but not outgoing) threats and is turned ON by default. IF
you run XP SP1 then it is not enabled by factory defaul and you must
take explicit action to enable it.

Go to wwww.grc.com and runs one of the  internet's best tools, "ShieldsUp".

Yes, if you do not keep windows up to date with the latest security patches.

Regardless of what you are running, Windows always runs certain
services that are network accessible in the background like Remote
Desktop, File and Printer Sharing, etc.  If there is a security
problem with one of these services, your machine can be compromised
through them.

You can get a free ebook on how to configure your PC so it cannot get
ANY viruses, spyware, malware etc. at
http://www.stopspywareforfree.com

I've used the info. provided and it works perfectly.  No software to
buy or anything.

Yes.

If you don't want to install anti-virus and anti-spyware software on
your computer and but want protection your can purchase Anti-Virus &
Anti-Spyware Hardware.

Blue Coat Systems offers such devices. BlueCoat's ProxyAV & ProxySG 

http://www.bluecoat.com/

There are other companies that sell this equipment as well but I use
BlueCoat; it seems pretty reliable.

just Google it: "anti-virus hardware"

its very difficult if you dont want to have any protection and still
surf the net,no need to go for expensive paid software,many genuine
companies give free AV and AS like microsoft,EZ AV...just install them
and update them regularly and that should be ok,keep windows firewall
configured,disable remote desktop,check in exceptions tab for things
like VNC etc,runs scans periodically and it should be fine

get a Mac.

Nobody bothers compiling anything for OS X.  OS X also requires a
password before anything is installed on your computer... so
everything is a OK as long as you dont install a virus compiled for a
Mac.  No spyware or any sort of malware... plus you have a terminal
window that understands Unix commands so you can easily monitor your
system and keep it clean.