I know I should perform security updates frequently, but I run into one 
problem: 
the SIZE of the updates. 
I'm on a slow dialup modem. 
I'm using Slackware 10 with the 2.4.26 kernel on a stand-alone box. I never 
installed Apache, inetd, portmap, SSH or any other server apps that I know 
of, and I have all unneeded services turned off. I just use it for internet 
surfing, email, burning music cd's and writing. I don't do any remote 
connections, file-sharing, chat, or instant messaging. I have decent 
passwords and a well-configured firewall, i.e. all ports show "stealth" 
according to grc.com. 

I use slackpkg for updates, and have it set up to only download patches, not 
everything. The last time I ran "slackpkg upgrade patches" it was a 135MB 
download, not including kernel patches because I don't want to screw around 
with the kernel. That's fine for broadband, but I never want to go through 
that again!  It took days and I had to su to root to do it. Personally, I 
never like to be online as root; that's a security risk in and of itself. 

Given how conservatively I use my computer, how likely is it that I'll be 
compromised and have my computer turned into a zombie or something if I don't 
do updates anymore?

I appreciate any opinions and advice, but no flames, please.
---------------------------------------------------
PLUG-discuss mailing list - PLUG-discuss@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us
To subscribe, unsubscribe, or to change  you mail settings:
http://lists.PLUG.phoenix.az.us/mailman/listinfo/plug-discuss