[jg1234]

Hi Folks,

I am new to firewalls and internet security so I have two quick questions. If anyone can help I would greatly appreciate it.

1. If I buy an external cable modem can I hook more then one computer to it ?

2. Will a free downloaded software firewall with some anti virus software be enough security for us ?? ( We will not keep the computer on all the time and occasionally will make online purchases. We will not be doing gaming on this system )

Any advice, links or product suggestions would be really helpful.

Thanks - jg1234

 

[winchester73]

A router will allow multiple connections to your cable modem ... I have a Linksys 4-port myself. If you have multiple printers and want to get fancy, you can get a Print Server to connect the router and the other computers.

While the router has a built-in NAT firewall, I also use Zone Alarm to protect the outbound transmissions. They have a free one available, as does Sygate (also a good one).

Always on connection = always open to attack.

Consider installing the following for prophylaxis:

SpywareBlaster v3.0 and SpywareGuard v2.2, to prevent Active-X drive-by installations, as well as provide real-time browser hijacking protection: http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/products.html

IE-SPYAD, a registry file that adds thousands of known "sites" to the Restricted Sites of your Internet Explorer: http://www.staff.uiuc.edu/~ehowes/resource.htm

 

[jg1234]

Winchester73,

Thank you very much. I really appreciate the information.

Great Site - jg1234