To Connect?
 

Many editors, and articles that I have followed, suggest that having an NLE hooked up to the Internet, is a no no. Too many issues with viruses, spyware, and their defenses. So, what can you do, when you have to connect for downloads, upgrades, etc. How are people avoiding the problems associated with being connected?

Gary,

I had the same concerns when I set up my editing computer. I was especially iritated by have to register damn near every piece of software, sometimes more than once. So it had to go on the web.

When you are all done registering etc., then disconnect. You can always plug back in to get upgrades etc.. If you stay plugged in, just don't sign on to the web. Your automatic update stuff will still searce for updates and such, (Norton), but they are pretty safe.

Mike

You can also do activations manually and never connect the PC (although it is more painful that way.)

David,
Because of a bug, I had to completly restore the OS, P/Pro, Cineform, and all the other misc. things that I felt were affected... Now That Was A Pain!!!
Gary

I do the following ...

- Maintain a couple levels of firewall
- Install all Microsoft critical patches
- Use Antivirus, keep it updated, scan regularly
- Use spyware detection, keep it updated, scan regularly
- Don't let anyone else use my computer, maintain other computers nearby they can use
- Use good passwords

If you only want connection for activiation and updates, you can disconnect the cable when not in use.

Best,
Christopher

Freeware zonealarm firewall (zonealarm.com) offers an internet "lock" that is very convenient - I use it on my editing station. No crawling behind the desk for the ethernet cable!

Actually, I use it on my laptop too, and very occasionally use the "lock" feature on the laptop.

Now you're up and running again, a quick plug for Acronis True Image 9.1, which is akin to Norton Ghost but with so much more functionality. Very, very useful!

I keep all our edit bays hooked up to the internet all the time with no problems whatsoever. There's no reason you should live without all the benefits the internet brings to the everyday editing experience. You can download stock music from your music library provider, you can exchange clips with your clients, purchase stock footage online and immediately download, and even quick checks for facts, measures conversions, and even spelling whenever you might need it. I also regularly download images from my clients' media portals, logos, fonts, you name it. The internet has become an integral part of everyday editing. If you set up your local network correctly and make ghost images of system drives for all computers in your studio, the worst you can have happen is losing 5 minutes of your time resetting the problem machine from your image files. Just remember to never allow local network users writing privileges on any folders whatsoever, to keep problems isolated. That way you can access any file from any machine on the network, but one way only. :)