"Cable Modem Internet Access"

Hello,
I am new to the cable modem internet. I am not currently hooked up but I want to get cable internet. My main concern is security. I do purchase things with a credit card over the net. I know of the file sharing option on my pc and a personal firewall but is this enough to keep my things secure from others? Also, when I do purchase over the net, is it the webpages resposiblity to make sure that they have a secure connection to keep out fraud with a card? Thanks for any help or advice that anyone can give. Ray

Ray -

Think of buying things over the net the same as buying things over the phone. through the mail, etc. I have been shopping online for 5 years now and have NEVER had any problems with any company. Things are pretty secure and if anything ever happens all of my credit cards are zero percent liable on my part (not likely that anything will happen anyway).

If you are paranoid about people 'hacking' your computer I would suggest investing in a router, they use NAT technology which makes it a zillion (er...a lot) harder than any software firewall you could download. Also, just disable file sharing.

feel free to email me if you have any other concerns.

Mike