Another question for you computer experts out there.....

Welcome!

By registering with us, you'll be able to discuss, share and private message with other members of our community.

SignUp Now!
Q

QuickWE4

Fuggedaboudit.
Joined
Jul 13, 2001
Messages
793
Hey All:

Got a cable modem this weekend. Very addictive. I sat on my ass all weekend surfing the net.

Anyway, had a bad experience after installing Norton's Internet Security suite (their firewall and virus package), so I uninstalled it and have a question:

Are there any firewall software packages or services out there that will be less intrusive and resource-robbing than the Norton package? I mean, it's an awesome piece of software (you can actually trace any ip addresses that ping your machine) but it really slowed down my cable modem and seemed to block more stuff than I needed it to block (even after I fiddled with the config). Plus, it seems like it's designed for a more sophisticated user and I'm simply looking for some very basic protection.

Or is it a case where you have to sacrifice speed for the sake of the firewall no matter what package you use?

Any recommendations?

Rich
 
I would get rid of the software firewall and buy a hardware based firewall like a linksys box. This will keep out 99% of the crap thats floating around the internet.

If your curious and want to see whats going on you can always setup a machine in the DMZ and sniff the traffic going by.

The linksys's are getting cheap. Here is what you want.

http://www.linksys.com/Products/product.asp?grid=34&scid=29&prid=20

I have setup probably 100 of these, very simple and effective and does't use any resources on your computer.
 
Mike:

I'm not too familiar with setting up routers, though I was going to do one eventually because I'll have another computer running in my basement soon.

So, basically, does the coax from my computer run first to this box then to the cable modem then to the source?

Will it gum up my cable connection in terms of pages loading slowly, etc?

Also, if I don't leave my computer on all the time, do I even need a firewall capability?

Rich
 
It is very simple to setup.

Your coax Cable runs into your Cable Modem and comes out as an ethernet connection which runs into your computer. You take that connection and plug it into the WAN connection on the Linksys Router. Then the Router has 4 Connection on the back that you can plug all your other computers into. This is pretty much all you have to do to make it work for the majority of setups. Once you have it connected you use your web browser to connect to the router to make changes or configuration if needed. It's very simple.

Nobody should be plugged directly into the internet. Its a huge dirty mess of crap floating around and allowing your computer to be hooked directly into it allows you to be attacked by anyone out there or by anything (Viruses). The latest round of attacks from the Blaster and Nachi worms could infect your computer within seconds of being on the internet.

Using a Router allows you to "Hide" Behind something that doesn't allow inbound connections and "masks" your true computer from everything out there.

Go buy the Linksys, you won't be sorry and you can plug as many computer into it as you want. You can have 5 computers on the connection surfing the web and notice no slowdowns. You can even download Music or Videos on both computers and probably still won't notice anything.

Broadband Rocks :cool:
 
Mike:

So what you're saying is that the router basically works at the port level. This sounds like what I need. I go USB into my computer as I don't have a network card so I'm assuming this would not be a problem.

This sounds better than the software based solutions I was investigating. I mean, all I really need is something to work at the port level.

It was crazy man - as soon as I hooked up the Norton stuff, my computer got hit twice within about 20 minutes, one with a trojan horse and another type of virus.

Thanks for the help - I'm going to stop by comp usa tonight and check things out.

Rich
 
Mike:

Just for sh*ts and giggles, are there any software programs that will basically just work at the port level?

I like the router idea, I just am not entirely crazy about having yet more wires and another box near my machine.

Rich
 
Sure there are software programs like Zone Alarm and a bunch of others. I don't like Software based firewalls but they do work. It kinda defeats the purpose that your looking for though, I.E. less CPU utilization and configuration.

You have to train it on what to allow in and out and most people aren't sure whats good and bad and after awhile they just start hitting Allow even when its something bad!

Check out the Linksys box, its worth the $40 bucks or whatever it is these days.
 
The router isn't that big and won't take up a lot of space and hardware protection is your best bet, but the router will not stop a virus from infecting your system so you will need to run some type of anti-virus software.
 
I have a Dell that's about 5 years old running win 98, and I do not believe I have an ethernet connector (I have two jacks on my modem, but I believe that they are both RJ11), which would prevent me from connecting to a router unless they go usb........

Are they USB compatible?

Anybody familiar with Sygate's personal firewall software?

Rich
 
Also, just to clarify - it wasn't the performance of my system that got slow - it was the actual loading of web pages. Because Norton has all these popup blockers, it really just gummed up my internet connection something fierce. But in terms of applications running, my machine seemed fine...it's 5 yrs old, but 128 megs of ram which isn't terrible I guess.....

The linksys sounds good, but again, I dno't have an ethernet connector (at least as far as I know).....

Rich
 
Ethernet Cards are cheap, 10-15 bucks and are easy to install. We can walk you through it if you want.

For a popup blocker get the Google 2.0 toolbar, it comes with a popup blocker that will not slow anything down. Its Free.

You probably are loaded with spyware, download Spybot and make sure you do the update and then clean your system. Its Free.

I should have been more clear on the Virus thing, The router will prevent the Network based viruses from attacking you. The latests ones like Blaster and Nachi attack the RPC port by doing massive Ping sweeps looking for live machines. The Linksys will not allow this traffic in and so you can't get infected, although with W98 you can't get that one anyways but there are others out there.

You should be running anti-virus for Email and web traffic type viruses.

128 Megs is on the edge today, Ram is so cheap throw another 128 in there.
 
I'm pretty comfortable installing cards in my machine - (I think) - I just installed a new CD Rom drive and had the cover off, so I imagine installing the card is comparable in terms of skill level?

I did the spybot thing the other day - yeah, my machine was just loaded with crap but it removed it. It's a nice little piece of shareware.

So, here's what I'm weighing:

I do the router bit and I have to install a network card. Then, even after that's done, I still need antivirus software anyway.

I can buy firewall/antivirus software

In either case, more ram would help.

What I'm getting from this discussion is if I simply want to block incoming traffic from my machine, the router is the way to go.

Rich
 
And to throw something else into the mix..


For like 599, I can do a new Dell with Windows XP which has a built-in firewall.

Somehow, maybe that makes more sense that throwing more RAM, a network card and an external router at my 5 year old Dell pentium two :D

Rich
 
Windows XP has a built in Software firewall, so its nothing your getting for free.

Computer are cheap. No Matter what you do, BUY THE LINKSYS! :p
 
Originally posted by bwallace
Linksys does make a USB Network adapter go to their website and check it out. It's worth the extra money to go with a hardware protections plus if you plan on networking in the future you will have the hardware ready to go plus a wireless option. Although I haven't used XP's firewall there are just to many holes in Microsoft products.

http://www.linksys.com/products/


http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=34&scid=30&prid=402
Click to expand...

You are the man. I didn't know that they had that USB adapter. Now all I need is a USB expander as I'm out of USB ports ;)

Rich
 
I am a cheap bastard so I only use a software firewall. Blackice Defender, it works great and is really easy to use. Didn't have to set up anything.

A router is definately a better way to go though. Probably cheaper than actually buying a software firewall:eek:
 
i've been running a linksys router for about 2 years now with my cable and i share one other computer in the house...we have never been infected with a virus and i don't even run virus protection software...that is changing though because i am installing mcafee as i speak...too much GARBAGE out there now, its definitely not like it used to be 5 years ago
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Q
Any computer experts out there? Need some fast help...
7
507
T-top87GN
T

Online statistics

Members online
20
Guests online
2,066
Total visitors
2,086
Totals may include hidden visitors.

Latest posts

Newest members

Stay Connected

Back
Top