Irish, you have XP. Enable the firewall. Control Panel Network Connections Right-click your internet connection Select Properties Click the 'Advanced' tab Put a checkmark next to "Internet Connection Firewall" This is done for each network separately, so if you have more than one (I have a dialup connection and cable) do it for both. This will put you in Stealth mode and you'll be happy the next time you visit Shields Up! :) No, it does NOT interfere with Norton or MS and autoupdates...those will still work fine.