Paranoid about security

[headshot!]

Hello, I am hoping someone can help me out. I am about to get Time Warners's Road Runner service set up on my computer. I am also getting the Linksys 4port dsl/cable router. I already have zonealarm installed on my PC. But after browsing through this website I am really confused. How secure am I?? Can I run multiple firewall software at the sametime. How good is good with Linksys Router? I read the reviews and it seems wonderful. I am just too paranoid??

-Thanks everyone!

P.S. yes I just finished playing Unreal..and I couldn't think of a Username. :-)

[JANDOENT]

Whats up headshot! Welcome to Speed Guide. Having a concern about security and wanting to protect yourself is a great start! http://www.speedguide.net/ubb/wink.gif Having your "defenses" set correctly is important. If possible, get your "linky" before you get the Road Runner installed and there is a good chance that the tech will make sure it is working when he hooks up your cable connection. (sometimes people have a little difficulty setting it up correctly) Which version of Zone Alarm do you have, the free version or Zone Alarm Pro? Really, with Zone Alarm (pro) figured correctly and linky you should be protected and able to control what comes in and goes out of your 'puter. It is a good idea to use selective start up (to limit or control what proggies load by themselves when your 'puter starts)and disabling auto updates ( I don't like to have proggies running with out me wanting them too, nor do I like them trying to access the net by themselves) Also don't enable file sharing. Nothing can take the place of knowledge. Learning the bad websites and proggies is really one of the most important things that you can do.There are a few other things, but this should get you started. Let us know. http://www.speedguide.net/ubb/wink.gif

[dmsmed]

Make sure you disable ping responces on your modem. This will prevent your router from returning a ping from an outside intruder. Do this via Advanced/Block WAN Requests/enable. This will pretty much make you invisible to the outside world. For a little extra insurance run Zone Alarm to see if anyone gets past the router. I doubt they will.

[dmsmed]

Oops ^ disable ping responces on your router.

[headshot!]

Hi, Jandoent and dmsmed thank you very much for responding to my post so quickly. Currently I have to free version of ZoneAlarm but I don't mind dishing out the dough to upgrade my system for better protection. I also have that Gator program that is suppose to keep track of your passwords. Just to make life easier. Is that program spyware? Sooo paranoid.
Thanks again!

[dmsmed]

If you are going to purchase a software firewall I suggest you look at the firewall review originally posted by JANDOENT.
Sygate.http://sysopt.earthweb.com/reviews/firewall/index.html

Based on this I would by Sygate next time.

[headshot!]

Hey dmsmed, thank for the great link. I am printing it out as I write. I was read a post last night where someone mentioned a PC related magazine doing a hardware comparision on firewalls. Do you know which magazine that was?

-Thanks!!

[JANDOENT]

Maximum PC was the mag, this link also does comparisons;
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/hwrouter_chart.htm

[headshot!]

Thanks jandoent!! This forum is great. My nervousness is slowly going away...till I get hacked that is...hehehehe http://www.speedguide.net/ubb/biggrin.gif

[JANDOENT]

Hey Headshot! Have you checked your E mail lately?

[headshot!]

Oh baby YOU DA MAN jandoent!! http://www.speedguide.net/ubb/smile.gif Thank you very much! I must recommend this site to my other friends.

[dmsmed]

Since I am studying for the CCNA I'm a little biased, lol.

[headshot!]

What is CCNA?

[headshot!]

What is CCNA?

Thanks.

[JANDOENT]

Cisco Certified Network Associate or
Cisco Certified Network Administrator, Maybe dmsmed can clarify which one for you.

[dmsmed]

Cisco Certified Network Associate. It's the first level of Cisco Certification, in my case it's 7hrs of class/week and of course homework for 2 semesters. This course will teach me how to set up and troubleshoot LANs/WANs.

[dmsmed]

I got tired of asking questions, the only way I could learn at the pace I wanted to was to get formal training.

[headshot!]

That is some heavy duty studying and training. It will be worth in the end though. Proabably make some serious money along with it after you are done. Good Luck!!!

[C.M. Weaver]

If you would like some information on the CCNA programs follow this previous message thread
http://www.speedguide.net/ubb/Forum8/HTML/000587.html

I have completed the Cisco Networking Academy and am a CCNA, also currently working on my CCNP. If you have any other questions about the program let me know.

C.M.

[This message has been edited by C.M. Weaver (edited 11-24-2000).]

[This message has been edited by C.M. Weaver (edited 11-24-2000).]

[dmsmed]

Congratulations! :-) When did you take the test?