DSL and protection

Rowski · Jan 30, 2002

If all goes well (which it should) I will have DSL on Friday /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif/w3tcompact/icons/cool.gif of this week. I was reading the thread on "Cable Modem" and a few people mentioned firewalls and protection. I thought the anti-virus software would take care of things. By the sounds of it, it doesn't. So what do I need to do/get. I really hate to spend to much more money on my old 233mmx, but to protect my computer I need to do something. I just had an ethernet card installed along with upgrading my RAM form 64K to 256K /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif.

Many thanks!

I can't wait to ZOOM......... on the net!

MikePA · Jan 30, 2002

You're right, antivirus software wont protect you from the evils on the Internet when you have a permanent connection. Actually, people who use modems should be protected as well.

Get <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.zonealarm.com>ZoneAlarm</A>. It's free.

BHarrison · Jan 30, 2002

Ditto on ZoneAlarm. It's like a steel plate between the internet and you.
If you want to see how vulnerable you are, "test your sheilds" at <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.grc.com>http://www.grc.com</A>

heehaw · Jan 30, 2002

just got a dsl last week; on the recommendation of our computer folks, i got a linksys router for @ $70..it acts as a firewall, the model is befsr11..the router has a log that shows you the ip address of the places that have "hit" the input of the router, which would have been the computer, if not for the firewall protection..
heehaw

TerryinMD · Jan 30, 2002

Rowski,

<font color=blue>upgrading my RAM form 64K to 256K </font color=blue>

K....???? /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif

Whoa!! You can still buy memory that small!! /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Terry

looch · Jan 30, 2002

I also recommend the Linksys. I have a a couple of security-professional friends who are pleased with them. A hardware firewall is definitely better than software installed on your computer.

Rowski · Jan 30, 2002

Does one need the hardware protection for just home (personal) use?

heehaw · Jan 30, 2002

the way it was described to me, do you have anything on your computer you don't want to share with someone that might use it in very bad ways, tax info etc etc..if so, you need a good firewall..without the firewall, some folks can actually go in an browse on your computer and download information you have on the hard drive..some folks are just to dern smart, or they need to get a good hobby like a tractor..
heehaw

BHarrison · Jan 30, 2002

I agree, the linksys is the preferred methed. ZoneAlarm is the Free method. The linksys is cool because you can get the multi port unit, and use it for your home netowrk hub. Also, if you do any type of remote access where your computer needs to be a certain name, or in a certain domain, you can use the linksys router to overcome those issues. For under $100, you can't go wrong.

looch · Jan 30, 2002

I guess it depends what you are trying to protect. To reiterate what Ben is saying, with DSL and Cable, you need a router for your connection anyway. Why not get one that doubles as a firewall and also allows you to connect several devices at the same time?

The problem up here is when you subscribe to DSL or Cable, you have to buy or rent the router they give you - it comes as a set-up kit. Is it like that for you too?