2 easy questions regarding networking differences...

[crapito]

1) why would someone want to use an internet router/gateway (ie D-Link DI-701) instead of installing another NIC in the main/server computer along with a software firewall (ie ZoneAlarm)? a router is ~$100 versus another NIC card and free ZoneAlarm for ~$20; also, from what I've read on this board, ZoneAlarm seems to offer equal or even better protection than many hardware firewalls.

2) aside from the obvious, any differences between ISA and PCI 10/100 ethernet cards? just curious...

I plan on connecting my 2 computer home LAN to a broadband connection soon, so I am trying to figure out the best way for me to do this.

thanks!

 

[M O M O]

ZoneAlarm Firewall can be easily scanned for open ports
Apr, 24 2000 - 20:42
ZoneAlarm (http://www.zonelabs.com) is a very popular personal firewall for Microsoft Windows computers and easy to use for newbies because it is application based, meaning, you apply network permission to applications instead of ports.
This Firewall has been found to contain a serious security hole that would allow a remote attacker to TCP and UDP scan the entire host's port range without detection. This is done by specifying a special port number in the source port part of the TCP or UDP packet

 

[M O M O]

i have a linksys cable/router , the four port one, and depending on what you plan on doing.. its been great for me.. Got a smoking deal on it from buy.com with the $30 off coupon and free shipping awhile back. I think i payed somewhere around 130 for it..

 

[Scarpozzi]

A hardware router is much more secure. It's hard to hack firmware...A lot of people set linux up to do the same thing and you can actually setup all the services you need in linux to boot off a floppy disk(which you can write protect). Point is...hackers and crackers are resourceful once they find out what you're running so however you setup your system, tell no one that doesn't need to know. Most of the people trying to hack are just playing around anyway or doing it for fun. If it takes a couple more hours because they can't figure out what you're running, they may give up.

 

[BCYL]

If you use a router you don't have to mess with the proxy software to share the internet access, and one computer does not have to be on all the time. It is much easier to setup, plus you get the added security as a bonus... software firewall does not come anywhere near hardware firewalls in terms of security and protection...

I don't think there is any difference between ISA and PCI NICs, aside from the obvious. Although I may be wrong on that...

 

[crapito]

thanks guys. I suppose I'll get a hardware router if the price is right. I don't really have anything sensitive on my computer, so I am not too fearful of hackers. also, I regularly run antivirus software and backup my files via CDRW, so viruses and the like aren't really a concern either. I also have a 4 port switch already, so a plain old router would be fine for me.

btw: what router is good for a gamer that runs ICQ? I've read about some port compatabily problems on some routers and wouldn't want to spend $100+ on something that wouldn't run all my games/apps.

ps: I would buy a PCI NIC simply due to future compatability, though I was curious as to the differences since both my current motherboards still have at least 1 free ISA slot.

 

[iceliquid]

Regarding ISA and PCIs, if I remember correctly, the difference is in the transfer rates. I don't know off hand exactly but PCIs offer a higher transfer rate than ISAs. Someone shoot me down and clarify if I'm wrong

IceLiquid