My daughter just purchased a new computer and is looking into providers for online connection. She has been told via Quest, etc. that they have online virus programs and firewalls automatically provided by them and they don't need to run separate computer programs such as Norton, McAfee, etc. How reliable are these and what would they not catch? Thanks for input.

I checked Qwest and couldn't find anything such as what your daughter told you. i_XpUser

online virus programs, probably means they have a download link for (free versions of) sygate firewall, and avg free antivirus. at sbc they have free versions of zone alarm firewall, and computer associates antivirus. and they scan incoming email at the server, and they block some ports such as 137. I'd go with sygate and avg on the pc. since it would be open to a lot of stuff, just by surfing and instant messengers. that their "online firewalls and antivirus" wouldn't see.

I have sbc/yahoo and the virus program is on my computer not just online, so if the protection is there you will have it on your computer, so look at the programs and it should state the name of the Virus protector and if its there her computer will be fine. It not only protects her online but keeps from letting it on her computer, I have had several emails that can be downloaded to computer (attachments) some say ok some say no they are infected and not to download, plus everything she downloads can be checked out with the protection program.