Hi,
I'm interested in getting broadband so surfing the Internet and downloading stuff will be much faster than the 56K connection I have now, but I'm rather concerned about the security aspect of having broadband. I understand that broadband means "always-on" Internet access, and that means it's easier for hackers to hack into my system. As I'm still very new to this technology, I would like to know if turning off the computer is equivalent to "switching off" the Internet access. I am also interested to know what precautions I should take to protect my computer from hackers, other than installing an anti-virus software.
Thank you.
Regards,
Rayne
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You may want to look at the Vigor this is a wires only adsl router/firewall very easy to configure all done via http and you can choose if the connection will be always on. This is a fairly cheap solution, I have one at home for over a year and it's been faultless. You will still need virus protection on your PC.
http://www.draytek.co.uk
Good suggestions here, and theyre both right. Personally, I would choose a hardware firewall, instead of a software firewall.A cable router, with one built in would suffice, and they are cheap enough nowadays, that you can get a real nice one.
In addition to the antivirus software, you should also occasionally use a trojan scanner, like Swatit, since most trojans will be missed by your AntiVirus software. And that is normal, at least for the majority of the AV makers. Antivirus is just that, antiVIRUS, not antiTROJAN.
Back to ur original question though
"As I'm still very new to this technology, I would like to know if turning off the computer is equivalent to "switching off" the Internet access"
Yes it is, but instead of turing off your system, simply turn off your cable modem. That way you can still work if needed, but if the modem is plugged in , and you have a valid IP address, then the internet is on., bottom line.
You shouldn't be too worried about being hacked. The internet isn't that scary of a place and you should be fine as long as your not running any services like ftp, web server. You'll probably come across virus' more than anything else.
If your using Windows XP you can turn on their firewall for the interface going to the internet. This can be done by Right Clicking on "My Network Places" -> Properties then Right Click on you internet interface generall "Local Area Connection" -> Properties -> Advanced -> Check Internet Connection Firewall.
If not running WinXP other software firewalls like Norton Person Firewall, ZoneAlarm, Blackice, Sygate Personal Firewall, would be a good choice to block most bad things.
Lastly if running WinXP or Win2000 you can make a shortcut to your desktop of the "Local Area Network" and then just right click and Disable to shut it down when you don't want to be connected. Then Right Click -> Enable when you want it up again.
Otherwise any standard router and a good anti-virus should be enough to keep you safe from the majority of internet baddies.
Hope that helps
-=[ Felix 2000 ]=-
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by: SouljaPosted on 2003-06-23 at 04:34:52ID: 8780720
Depends on the service you choose. Cable is trully always on, but most cable modems, like the Motorola Surfboard has a button to drop the connection when not in use, and yes, your computer being off is like internet being off. Some DSL providers give there customers PPOE software that you have to use to connect to their network, therefore you can disconnect when not using the internet, but the downside is that sometimes the provider will drop your connection when you least expect it. No matter which service you choose they are both better than dialup.
After you get either service you will need to either install a software firewall like ZoneAlarm or Blackice, or buy a dsl or cable router that has a built in firewall. These will protect you from hackers.