A few question regarding Cable modem

[tuando]

Hi everyone,

Does anyone have some experience of setting up a firewall for cable modem (comcast&hom)? If so, how? What do I need (software & hardware) in order to protect someone get into my computer and destroy everything. Is there any site that explain the running risk and the remedy to those risks using cable modem? Any kink of help is greatly appreciated.

[DougR]

Just install "Zone Alarm", it's free !
http://www.zdnet.com/downloads/stories/info/0,,0015P7,.html

[This message has been edited by DougR (edited 04-23-2001).]

[ragtop]

Check out the following SysOpt review: http://www.sysopt.com/reviews/firewall/
I downloaded and used the Sygate firewall software (the highest rated package in the SysOpt review).

I had no problems with the Sygate software (other than you can't do certain things like streaming audio/video if you turn up the security level too high). I used the software for a couple months, until I installed a router on my system. The router serves as a hardware firewall, so I no longer needed the Sygate software.

[tuando]

Thanks for everyone help

Ragtop:

What is your router brand and model? Can you use software firewall in tandem with hardware?

[Kuasimodem]

Personally, I like my Dlink DI-707, but you probably don't need 7 ports. I would go with the DI-804, which is a great 4-port router, firewall, network switch.

You can find it for around $100 at places like www.comready.com (http://www.comready.com)

[ragtop]

tuando:
I'm using a Linksys router. The only problem I had was that the first one I bought was DOA. I exchanged it for a new one, and its been fine ever since. It's real easy to set up, and they're selling them at pretty decent prices (about $100 for a 4 port model). My only other complaint is that they haven't sent me the $30 rebate that I was supposed to get.

As for using a software firewall with the router - It won't work, at least not with the combination of Linksys router and Sygate firewall. In my case, the computer kept locking up until I uninstalled the software firewall.

[smokin1]

I use cable, and rather than buy a router..I built one..very easy to do..
Here is how I did it (http://www.members.home.net/smokin1/Installation.htm)

http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by smokin1 (edited 04-28-2001).]

[socalgal]

I use the Linksys BEFSR41 (4-port) also, and run ZA Pro on all 3 machines. I like this combo 'cause if anything on the inside is trying to get out, I know about it easily. The router is a very effective hardwall in of itself, ZA Pro has reported -0- outside hits in almost 2 months.

It's funny you say that, ragtop. I tried the Linksys about a year ago and couldn't set it up and ended up returning it. Maybe mine was defective, too.

I can recommend Linskys (http://www.linksys.com/) as effective, inexpensive and easy to configure.