all right i am a open-minded individual allow me to start over. Can someone please tell me whether or not ports that i do not frequently use should be closed or left alone. Because although I personally do not use them, that doesn't mean that my computer doesn't, so should I take the risk of closing them? That was simply what I was asking. And thank you Regz for the advice I will keep it in mind. Thank you Nihil for answering for giving me some direction so I can do some more in-depth research. I'll look into it.