theoretical risk of malware infection

It's not that I'm really afraid of this happening (at least I don't think I need to be this paranoid yet), but I was just wondering:

With a cable modem, you're always connected to the internet, so if you're logged into Windows, then don't you not even have to open your browser to in effect be visiting your homepage, and thereby be risking malware infection?

 

You mean Cable as opposed to wireless?
I've never had any issues, well I have but it's not about the way you are connected.

Read this, it will help you.

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=44525

 

Nedlamar:

I'm connected to my router by a wireless adapter, but then my router is connected to a cable modem. And yes, I've read "How to Protect yourself from malware!"

 

Not sure, but I think if you had a bot virus on your system it could communicate with its server.
It's critical these days to have always up-to-date protection and OS upgrades. AND use sound judgement when surfing and esp. downloading. I tell my students, senior citizens, to ONLY download from M$ or MG and they'll be safe as long as they follow everything else. Some find that boring and many of those end up bringing in their 'puter for a cleaning. 'Course, they get if for free so why not?:wave:wave

 

Well the point is really that if you use good security software then it shouldn't matter how you're connected.
Like I said, I've been connected when ever my PC is on for over 7 years and the only time I've had malware is through my own stupidity or unexpected inbeds in adverts on unsuspecting sites.

As Brandy said, you can get certain viruses that will use your connection without you "Being online" , but at that point you already have the virus and whether you are connected constantly or not it will connect to it's server when you DO connect.