There is no ground for panic, but we must be alert that this could become a problem in the future. You may have seen the cable television ad that if you sign up for their Internet service, this is the last time that you will ever have to log onto the Internet. With cable, your modem is always connected. Nothing can happen if your computer is turned off, but many users will keep the connection open at all times. It is convenient for e-mail use and saves the long boot times so prevalent with Windows 98.
Most corporations protect themselves with software called a firewall.
I decided to use a firewall because I am on the Net a great deal of the time. Next week, I will tell you more about what I found on unwanted attempts by outsiders to visit my computer. No need for you to lose any sleep over it but forewarned is forearmed as the old saw goes. Too many files running I recently had to do a quick restore and the tech support person said that I needed to learn how to delete some of the program files that start when I start my computer. I cannot afford another call to tech support.