Whats the best plan for securing home broadband?

[rudder]

Finally getting a cable modem! So I am thinking of at minimum of getting a wireless router. What are the best brands under $100?

I also run antivirus of course, but was wondering if I should go ahead with the full suite such as nortons internet security or perhaps something like kerios personal firewall. Any recommendations or experiences?

Thanks.

 

[helpmeout]

I've got a cable modem, no router, and use Sygate's firewall. Have ZA Pro, but not installed since I find it has issues with XP. For AV I've used eTrust for two + years and like it. Sorry, but I wouldn't wish either Norton or McAfee on Osama Bin Laden.

 

[snidy1]

I've used broadband for 2 years without antivirus or firewall and never had a problem. I don't use them because they just slow down the system and screw things up. I just disable the connection when I'm not using it and use common sense, like don't open atttatchments or use Kazaa.

 

[johnjkr1]

I have a $25 netgear wireless router....works great...acts as a firewall.....I dont use those internet security programs and have never had a problem, they just arent necessary if you have a hardware firewall

 

[PCHPlayer]

Go to the "Hot Deals" forum and watch for cheap wireless routers (Usually after rebate). Then disable the wireless portion of the router. You can usually find them for $20. For whatever reason, wireless routers seem to be cheaper than wire only routers. You still may find a deal on a wired router. A while back PCMall had the D-Link 604 router for $10.

 

[EeyoreX]

I've used broadband for 2 years without antivirus or firewall and never had a problem. I don't use them because they just slow down the system and screw things up. I just disable the connection when I'm not using it and use common sense, like don't open atttatchments or use Kazaa.

Or maybe you have a problem and just don't know because you have no software to detect a problem? At any rate, I certainly don't recommend this option. It's just irresponislbe to leave yourself open to problems. Not all viruses can be stopped by smart browsing/emailing (though that certainly helps). All Blaster needed was an unpatched internet connected PC to infect you. And not only do you leave yourself open to problems, you are not being a good internet neighbor I use a router (but I needed one to share the connection with the three current PCs in the house). I also insist on some flavor of AV software on all machines. I prefer NAV 2004 and have no trouble with it. But any, even the freebie AV software will do. I also use NIS or ZoneAlarm depending on the PC.

\Dan

 

[Rob G.]

The router will be a huge help in protecting you from the outside world.

A firewall that checks outgoing traffic will help you keep track of what's using your connection and also forms a second line of defence *just in case*.

With so many free firewalls around now, there's little point in not using one.

 

[Tambora]

Using an SMC 7004ABR (wired) with built in firewall plus Tiny Personal Firewall to monitor outgoing activity. No problems over two years of use.

 

[brentkiosk]

Originally posted by: Rob G.
The router will be a huge help in protecting you from the outside world.

A firewall that checks outgoing traffic will help you keep track of what's using your connection and also forms a second line of defence *just in case*.

With so many free firewalls around now, there's little point in not using one.

I agree - this is the kind of system I use. I also have AV software and once in a while it's a good thing I do.

 

[Motero]

If you are going to get something...stick with the hardware firewall. I've used several Netgear wireless routers as they work great.

 

[snidy1]

Originally posted by: EeyoreX

I've used broadband for 2 years without antivirus or firewall and never had a problem. I don't use them because they just slow down the system and screw things up. I just disable the connection when I'm not using it and use common sense, like don't open atttatchments or use Kazaa.

Or maybe you have a problem and just don't know because you have no software to detect a problem? At any rate, I certainly don't recommend this option. It's just irresponislbe to leave yourself open to problems. Not all viruses can be stopped by smart browsing/emailing (though that certainly helps). All Blaster needed was an unpatched internet connected PC to infect you. And not only do you leave yourself open to problems, you are not being a good internet neighbor I use a router (but I needed one to share the connection with the three current PCs in the house). I also insist on some flavor of AV software on all machines. I prefer NAV 2004 and have no trouble with it. But any, even the freebie AV software will do. I also use NIS or ZoneAlarm depending on the PC.

\Dan

Antivirus software screws up a system just as bad as virus's, plus they don't stop all virus's. I do all the MS updates and it seems to keep me safe enough. Not irresponsible, just common sense. Most people just buy anything the manufactuers tell them they need. That's irresponsible.

 

[DigitalDiscord]

Originally posted by: rudder
Finally getting a cable modem! So I am thinking of at minimum of getting a wireless router. What are the best brands under $100?

Also remember with wireless you'll want to setup your WEP so your neighbors can't 'steal' your wireless signal and utilize your bandwidth.

 

[nitromullet]

Originally posted by: snidy1

Originally posted by: EeyoreX

I've used broadband for 2 years without antivirus or firewall and never had a problem. I don't use them because they just slow down the system and screw things up. I just disable the connection when I'm not using it and use common sense, like don't open atttatchments or use Kazaa.

Or maybe you have a problem and just don't know because you have no software to detect a problem? At any rate, I certainly don't recommend this option. It's just irresponislbe to leave yourself open to problems. Not all viruses can be stopped by smart browsing/emailing (though that certainly helps). All Blaster needed was an unpatched internet connected PC to infect you. And not only do you leave yourself open to problems, you are not being a good internet neighbor I use a router (but I needed one to share the connection with the three current PCs in the house). I also insist on some flavor of AV software on all machines. I prefer NAV 2004 and have no trouble with it. But any, even the freebie AV software will do. I also use NIS or ZoneAlarm depending on the PC.

\Dan

Antivirus software screws up a system just as bad as virus's, plus they don't stop all virus's. I do all the MS updates and it seems to keep me safe enough. Not irresponsible, just common sense. Most people just buy anything the manufactuers tell them they need. That's irresponsible.

I agree that it is unnecessary to run AV in the background at all times, but I can assure you that doing all the MS updates will not keep you "safe enough". I have AV, scan all my incoming mail with it, but don't have it running unless I do a manual scan. However, I am aslo behind a hardware router and use email whitelisting. Common sense is ultimately the best protection, but isn't foolproof - remember it's you (one) against thousands of malicious coders, one of them is probably going to think of a way to infect your system one day that you didn't think of.

 

[EeyoreX]

Antivirus software screws up a system just as bad as virus's, plus they don't stop all virus's. I do all the MS updates and it seems to keep me safe enough. Not irresponsible, just common sense. Most people just buy anything the manufactuers tell them they need. That's irresponsible.

If your AV software is "screwing" your system "just as bad as viruses" you have bigger problems with your computer. I have never, ever, had trouble with AV software screwing up my computer worse than I've seen a virus screw up a computer. I don't buy AV software because the manufacturer tells me to. I buy it because I have been involved with computers long enough to know that it takes one virus one time to destroy everything. Yes, you should back up. Yes, you should keep all patches up to date. And yes, you should have common sense. Anyone who relies on one tool in an attempt to stop multiple threats is irresponislbe. Even if your computer doesn't exibit signs of trouble, that doesn't mean your computer hasn't been infected by a trojan for example. One that simply uses your bandwidth to launch attacks on other computers. I don't rely on my AV software alone to protect me like it's some magic sheild. It is a part of my security, along with a hardware router, a software router (to monitor what tries to use my bandwidth) and spyware tools. Do whatever you want. I don't care really. I know I am far safer with my combination of tools than just your "common sense".

\Dan

 

[LiLithTecH]

One important item you may want to do to for added protection
is to UNBIND TCP/IP from 'Windows File and Print Sharing' if you
are using it (you don't need to let the rest of the world see what you are sharing).

It requires you to install another protocol such as NetBeui or IPX/SPX and bind to that.

 

[Keysplayr]

The wireless router will act as a firewall. No additional firewall software will be needed. AntiVirus software is always a must have regardless of what any hot shot says.

If you give your wireless router/access point a unique name and make it a closed network (your owners manual will tell you how to do this) then no one can scope out your network from say, his car using a laptop with a wireless card. Anyone who wants to have access to your LAN will need to know the name of the access point of your closed network. Nobody can scope out your PC's and they dont get free internet from you either.

Hope this helps,

Keys

 

[EeyoreX]

The wireless router will act as a firewall. No additional firewall software will be needed.

That's true. Though, I still like to have a software firewall installed to see if any software tries to "phone home" or in case something does slip by my anti-virus software.

\Dan

 

[acemcmac]

Originally posted by: Motero
If you are going to get something...stick with the hardware firewall. I've used several Netgear wireless routers as they work great.

Agreed 100%

Good luck :beer:

 

[LiLithTecH]

Originally posted by: keysplayr2003
The wireless router will act as a firewall. No additional firewall software will be needed. AntiVirus software is always a must have regardless of what any hot shot says.

Keys

Sure it will.

And when you get a common DCOM (OLE/COM/'ActiveX') Port-80 exploit from a unknowingly
malicious website (or PopUP) that ANTI-VIRI software misses, that built-in firewall (cough-cough)
will stop it in its tracks. :>)

 

[Keysplayr]

Thats is overkill.