When your computer is accessing the internet, the internet may also be accessing your computer. Even if you don't have any data on your computer that you fear losing, you would be severely inconvenienced if the hackers erase your hard disk. Also, your computer can be used as a stepping stone by hackers who want to wreck other computers. It will test your present setup and tell you how safe you are or aren't. There is no simple answer to this.
More money buys greater security, but no security is perfect.
To beef up your security, you might start at ACIS's security web page . However, I have talked with ACIS's head of security, and he says that ACIS is not presently able to provide you with all the software you really ought to have. In particular, you might feel the need for a firewall. Antivirus software Members of the Vanderbilt community can get antivirus software for free at ACIS's antivirus web page . Firewalls See introduction to firewalls .