Cable modem & security

[daverme]

This is a follow-up to my earlier post.

I'm staying away from the cable connection until I get some security set up, which mostly means firewall software.

Does anyone have recommendations for firewall software?

Does anyone have any other pearls of wisdom to impart regarding being connected to the Internet 24x7 (a rather scary prospect, now that I'm confronted with it).

[jim.t]

I use Zonealarm and it's downloadable for no charge at Cnet and others. I keep my security setting on high, and so far so good. Read an article a month ago that stated Zonealarm was one of the best out there...and it's free. There are others if you prefer to spend your money...Black Ice, etc.

[This message has been edited by jim.t (edited 02-19-2001).]

[DougR]

I have to agree on "ZoneAlarm", it's a good Firewall and recommended by many. And the price is right !! FREE

[Biff]

GRC is a pretty good place for such info, and you can get your systems security status analyzed with some pretty simple tests. http://grc.com/default.htm

I've used ZA for several months and found it to be very good.

I've also used Nortons Internet Security and found it somewhat complicated to set up and annoying. Plus I had problems downloading at some sites, could of been a simple setting but I couldn't figure it out.

I'm now using Black Ice, it's by far the easiest to setup and use. All the above Appz checked out good at GRC for me http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif
Biff


[This message has been edited by Biff (edited 02-19-2001).]

[Sixpac]

Me, I use Zonealarm on Win2K and no problems here either. Runs like a clock...

[Bsdboy]

Zonealarm pro here.
Bsdboy

[gauge]

Thanks guys. I did know i needed a alarm system. I downloaded zone and so far so good.

[Stryfe88]

there's no reason to stay away from a cable connection, because you don't have a firewall. Even if you got it and didn't get firewall software right away, no on can break into your computer if it's turned off. Also there are security measures you can take to secure your computer from casual attacks.

Having said that, let me say this. DO NOT HAVE AN ALWAYS ON CONNECTION, ALWAYS ON WITHOUT A FIREWALL. next thing you know 'Jerry' will be logged on to your computer snooping around...(happened to me)

[bhess]

I wouldn't sweat it much. I've had cable for 3 years! (yes time warner tried it out in Tampa and I think San Deigo first) Never had a problem.
However I do use zonealarn now.

[RobRich]

I recommend ZoneAlarm, Sygate Personal Firewall, or Tiny Personal Firewall if your looking for a good software package that is freely downloadable. A personal firewall comparison article is available here at SysOpt:

http://sysopt.earthweb.com/reviews/firewall/

However, for my home network, I am using WinRoute Pro. It provides a better packet filtering scheme than a personal firewall, but it also lacks the per application settings of the packages I listed above. Here is SysOpt's review:

http://sysopt.earthweb.com/reviews/winroute/

BTW, if you drop by grc.com, Steve Gibson provides excellent infomation on how to disable certain networking features to better protect your system from the most common attacks without the use of a firewall application.

Good Luck,
Robert Richmond

[daverme]

Once again, thanks to all for the good info. Keep it coming! Dave.

[Ballastboss]

Black ice is intriguing as well an informative program.unfortunatly,it failed me twice, allowing my system to be hacked.I now use Zone Alarm.NO PROBLEMS AT ALL...this is the one to use!

[daverme]

OK, Ballastboss, thanks for that feedback. Right now I'm using ZoneAlarm and, so far, all is well.