Another example of how careful we should be when our computer is connected to the internet. I keep forgetting to turn off Apache server when it’s running as a “local host”. 
If the modem is turned on, it’s still possible for things to pass through fire-walls, and other security settings, unless they’ve been set very carefully.
Most the time, I use my husband’s computer to connect to the Internet. 
He runs many security programs and most intrusions get caught before they do any serious damage. But, it only takes one piece of rubbish to get through and it can be difficult to remove completely.
Yes, I’ve downloaded a lot of themes and other things from the web and usually scan files with anti-virus software before installing anything. Sometimes, that’s not enough, especially these days. Viruses, rootkits, trojans, diallers, key-loggers, adware, spyware, malware, crapware, etc, are getting “smarter” all the time.
Playing around on a local host, editing and testing my stuff “off-line” is OK. But… if the modem is turned on, I should turn Apache off, just in case. Sometimes I forget or am too lazy. 
“Infections” that get through can do all kinds of nasty things. Slowing your computer down is just one of them.
My husband was grumpy last night, running all kinds of scans until the early hours of the morning. He’s still not finished today. 
Something has attacked our main computer and it’s not easy getting rid of it. Very time consuming (and boring).
