DSL and protection

[Bird]

Mike (or anyone else), when I was running ME on this machine, I installed Norton's Firewall; got it separately, but at the same time I got SystemWorks 2002. But since upgrading (if you can call it an upgrade) to XP, it has a firewall built in, so I haven't installed the Norton Firewall. Is one any better than another? Or don't they do the same thing?

 

[MikePA]

Bird,

I'd go to the <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.grc.com>Shields Up</A> and test your XP firewall. If it passes, I'd leave well enough alone.

 

[Bird]

OK, Mike, I'm confused (normal state of affairs). It says it failed the leak test for "outbound". I thought the idea of a firewall was to prevent "inbound" access.

 

[MikePA]

You did the Shields Up test, right? That tests inbound.

The Leak Test is something relatively new. Some software, unbeknownst to you, can send information out of your PC. Typically, this is information you might send anyway, e.g., registration information for a piece of software you bought. The problem is it doesn't tell you or ask.

The nice thing about ZoneAlarm (a software firewall) is that it not only stops incoming, it asks you if you want to allow outgoing traffic. You can permit it either once or permanently. The first time a piece of software tries to 'talk', ZA catches it and prompts you. I was surprised at all the software on my PC that wanted to send stuff.

As the others have mentioned, since I have DSL, I also have a DSL router/firewall which is a piece of hardware that provides protection. My advice is regardless of how someone connects;

One PC - ZoneAlarm
A home network - ZoneAlarm and a DSL router/firewall. This is kind of like using a belt and suspenders, but...

Sometimes hardware like a DSL router/firewall can be complicated to set up, which is why I didn't initially recommend it. ZoneAlarm is easy to install and does it's job well.

 

[BHarrison]

Well Said.

 

[Bird]

Mike, I can read and follow directions most of the time./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif I clicked on the link, but then ran the Leak Test instead of Shields Up. So I tried again, and on the Shields Up it passed with flying colors./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif So I guess I'll leave it alone. I had thought about disabling the XP firewall and installing my Norton Firewall (I like its alerts and logging better), but don't guess that's necessary; have to think about it though, because the Norton also asks if you want to allow the outgoing traffic as you say ZA does.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Rowski]

If I subscribe to the DSL for one year I get to keep the modem and PC cam. If I don't I need to give it back or pay $150. The moden I get is no inital charge. I'm sure its figured in somewhere in the monthly fee. The modem is a Westell ASDL modem model # 36R515. So I basically get the kit DSL filters, modem, software, and pc cam.

 

[rkrynch]

My cable provider (Road Runner) furnished the cable modem, not a router. The advice that was given to get a router or switch is VERY important when using DSL or cable. It goes between the modem and the one or more computers, and itself becomes the hub for your home network. I bought a Netgear switch, very happy with it,
though Linksys seems the most popular.

Two other things are strongly recommended (have been discussed in several other threads):

1. A strong antivirus program (e.g Norton)
2. A software firewall (eg Symantec Desktop Firewall or one of the
free ones suggested)

The antivirus sw should be considered essential. Remember to regularly update the virus definition files which would be provided by the antivirus sw provider, maybe a small subscription fee after an initial period of free downloads.

Benefit of the sw firewall is that is an embedded virus sneaks through to your system, say an email worm, the software firewall may well be able block unauthorized outbound traffic.

 

[Rowski]

I got my dsl hooked up. Works great! Had a little problem with outlook express after the install but figured out. For sure faster than regular dial up. I got the zone alarm software, seems to work well but I don't have any experience with firewalls. I also got a new anti virus software too, PC-cillin 2000. Works a lot better than my old verion of Mcaffe's software. I do have a question. My dsl modem uses my dial up networking. So when I'm disconnected (two little computer things in the tool bar not showing) I should not be able to get any inbound traffic because the need to "dail up" my modem. From what I understood is that when ever your phone line is hooked up for dsl you are "on-line".

Thanks for everone help.

 

[scruffy]

To add a little meat to the reasoning for both a hardware firewall, and a software firewall. I am running a Linksys router, w/firewall, and Norton's Internet security on this pc, plus ZA Pro on two other computers. One enterprising individual managed to break into the son's game pc, and thereby access the LAN here in the house. My pc stopped most attacks (over 100) but one evidently got through and trashed the registry. Reload time, and plug holes on the LAN. Now the boy's pc is blocked from the LAN. Why? He has a tendancy to be lax on his firewall when he goes to game sites, and a lot of crud comes outta those game sites.