Internet and Recording

[utsman]

Hey People,

Just wondering, does anyone have trouble running the internet on their designated recording p.c. I want to just make my p.c a studio, but the other half doesn't agree. The reason I am worried is that my work computer is always freakin out due to spyware, or add pop ups etc, and don't want my precious recorder to die. I don't have internet at home at the moment (yes I am supposed to be working right now) and my p.c is always trouble free.

Any thoughts

UTSMAN

 

[scrubs]

Hey People,

Just wondering, does anyone have trouble running the internet on their designated recording p.c. I want to just make my p.c a studio, but the other half doesn't agree. The reason I am worried is that my work computer is always freakin out due to spyware, or add pop ups etc, and don't want my precious recorder to die. I don't have internet at home at the moment (yes I am supposed to be working right now) and my p.c is always trouble free.

Any thoughts

UTSMAN

I run Cubase SE on my home computer, which also connects to the internet. I think it would be best to have a separate partitioned drive-space for recording, with perhaps a separate install of windows, but I haven't gotten around to doing that yet. While recording, I do disconnect the internet and disable all programs that might try to access the internet for updates, etc. (virus software, windows update). No problems so far.

 

[Easto]

I have two computers... 1) Music only with no connection to the internet, no anti virus and no unneeded services running on it (not even MS Office). 2) The other computer is my internet box. There's nothing wrong with running Cubase on a box that's connected to the internet but you have to remember that this will increase the risk of something out "there" getting into your system and creating problems. If I was to have a music box that was connected to the Internet my firt and biggest suggestion would be to backup all your material daily.

 

[TimOBrien]

I also run broadband through my PC, but here is my checklist:

[x] NEVER use Internet Explorer (too many Microsoft security problems)
[x] NEVER use MSOutlook for mail (too many Microsoft security problems)
[x] NEVER install MSOffice (too many Microsoft security problems)
(...anyone see a pattern here???)

[x] Install the free Mozilla, Firefox or Opera browsers
[x] Install OpenOffice.org free replacement for MSOffice
[x] Use any other mail program (Mozilla works great for me..)
[x] Run a good anti-virus that you can turn off while recording (grisoft.com has AVG FREE). Keep it updated!!
[x] Install Spybot AND Ad-Aware. Run them often and keep them updated.

[X] NEVER, EVER open an .exe or .com email attachment and threaten to cut off the hands of your spouse or loved one if they ever do on your computer.
[X] NEVER open an email or attachment from anyone you don't know.

 

[NYMorningstar]

I have my music PC on cable using IE and MS Outlook and MS Office with no problems. A good firewall and a little common sense goes a long way.

 

[warble]

I also run broadband through my PC, but here is my checklist:

[x] NEVER use Internet Explorer (too many Microsoft security problems)
[x] NEVER use MSOutlook for mail (too many Microsoft security problems)
[x] NEVER install MSOffice (too many Microsoft security problems)
(...anyone see a pattern here???)

I use IE daily. My PC is running just fine.
I use MS Outlook daily. My PC is running just fine.
I use MS Word, Access, and Excel daily. My PC is running just fine.

The only pattern I see is an anti-MS pattern. I use Firefox as well, but I'm a Web developer so using IE is still important - and it works fine for me. I use my computer dual purpose: work and recording. I'm running Windows XP Pro with a DSL connection via router and am firewalled.

I will agree with these points:

[x] Run a good anti-virus that you can turn off while recording (grisoft.com has AVG FREE). Keep it updated!!
[x] Install Spybot AND Ad-Aware. Run them often and keep them updated.
[X] NEVER, EVER open an .exe or .com email attachment.
[X] NEVER open an email or attachment from anyone you don't know.

and this point:

A good firewall and a little common sense goes a long way.

 

[Easto]

I have my music PC on cable using IE and MS Outlook and MS Office with no problems. A good firewall and a little common sense goes a long way.

This is true. I think the basis of what we're all trying to tell him here is that first... if you can have a stand alone DAW with all services and unnecessary apps closed down or not even installed is your best bet. But if you do want to remain on the internet make sure you take all available precautions since you do not want anyhthing to compromise the integrity of your data or in a worst case scenerio losing everything.

 

[utsman]

Hey thanks guys,

I might invest in a cheap p.c just for internet to be on the safe side. I just don't trust every other dude who comes to my house and wants to use the internet (which I don't have yet anyway) not to infect my p.c. I checked my local trader and for 150 bucks I can pick up a complete old system with modems and eveything. My wife can have her precious internet on that. I don't see any problem with her using MY Special music p.c for programs like word amd office though if the old one won't run them. I think she will be happy with that.

cheers

UTSMAN