DSL Questions

[trichos]

I am getting a DSL Line in my home and have a few questions: Do I need filters? What are they for? Is it essential to have a firewall?

thanks

 

[Dan]

A firewall is a good thing. Go to Zonelabs and download the latest personal version of ZoneAlarm. It's free and effective.

 

[Taz4158]

The filters for your phones will come with your kit. As for a firewall I find them to appeal to the paranoia in most people and a waste if you're setup properly.

 

[Slikkster]

re: firewall

I don't agree with that part of your reply, Taz. The overwhelming majority of pc users are in the "novice" category and really aren't up to speed on being "set up properly" vs. any other way. A firewall is at least some protection for an "always-on" connection.

For instance, Verizon DSL (which uses the WinPoet software/driver) unnecessarily binds TCP/IP to your Network Card, when the driver itself, via DialUp Networking, has its own TCP/IP stack. Binding to the card unnecessarily adds an additional hack point to someone's pc. Who knows if they have File and Print sharing turned on?

My point is that I'd say a good 80 percent of casual pc users don't have a clue as to their inner workings, thus leaving them to the devices of some service that's to be "set up properly". We all know how dangerous that assumption can be.

 

[Taz4158]

You are correct but there are so many resources available for novices regarding setting up a "safe" connection. That's the only way they stop being novices. The risk is pretty minor at best anyway.

 

[Slikkster]

Well, all I can do is use the "parents" test. What would my parents do? And other than ask me, I'd say nothing. They'd go with whomever installed whatever for them. I just helped out a guy in my apartment building..an older man...who had a cable modem installed. I helped him with some speed tweaks, and lo and behold there was good old "File and Print Sharing" enabled. Nothing like leaving the door unlocked. The cable installer certainly didn't notice it. So, we'll agree to disagree on this point. No biggie.

 

[Taz4158]

<< File and Print Sharing&quot; enabled >>


Ouch.

 

[Klosters]

If you mean the filters for your phone line that are probably supplied with your router, I've found that using them is a mistake.

A firewall is a must. Zone Alarm works well. However, a hardware firewall is better. Unfortunately, a computer connected to any network is insecure.

 

[DSLer]

The filters are a MUST for your DSL not to interfere with your phone calls. They plug into the phone jack, then to your phones, and filter out the high-frequency signals that ADSL uses. The only other alternative may be a splitter installed in your phone network box. The downside to this solution is you would only have ADSL signal only on one jack. I know what I'm talking about. I sell this stuff for SW Bell. As far as the firewall, I would definetely recommend using one. I've got Zone Alarm on mine at home, and we use it at work on our DSL demo computers.

 

[BadThad]

Once again, I must agree with Slik. Firewall software is free and unobtrusive to the user, so why not use it? You would be surprized how many port scans one receives over the course of just 24 hours.

 

[josphstalinator]

no you dont need a firewall (and yes they can be obtrusive) and no you dont need to buy line splitters (filters) they should be supplied by the dsl carrier