I was reading a recommendation on another website by a knowledgable computer guy who said that a Router will prevent ANY Penetration by all the various viruses that are floating around the internet. Does anybody have any Specific Brand(s) to testify Too as to their ability to prevent viruses from entering your computer??. I don't have any experience with them so I'm looking for advise. ...s.kuteman

 

s.kuteman, I was shopping for the same product 2 weeks ago and was told that uless I was running multiple computers that firewall software was a suitable alternative. I purchased " Black Ice" for under $20.00 at Micro Center. Supposedly, it accomplishes the same thing as a router. I think you still need a good up-to-date anti virus software like Norton or McAfee. They accomplish two different things.

 

I may be able to offer some food for thought . .

skuteman, think of a router as an air manifold in your shop.

Piece-o-brass with one inlet, and as many outlets as it was formed with.

The only thing a router does is make sure that all the "out" orifices in that manifold have an equal opportunity to get air from the inlet pipe. There is no out-pipe "downstream" of any other, if you will.

~That is all~ a router does.

There is a digital devise, named a DHCP server:

DHCP - (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) – This is a protocol that lets network administrators centrally manage and automate the assignment of IP Addresses on the corporate network. When a company sets up its computer users with a connection to the Internet , an IP address must be assigned to each machine. Without DHCP , the IP address must be entered manually at each computer . DHCP lets a network administrator supervise and distribute IP addresses from a central point and automatically sends a new IP address when a computer is plugged into a different place in the network.DHCP uses the concept of a ‘lease’ or amount of time that a given IP address will be valid for a computer. Using very short leases, DHCP can dynamically reconfigure networks in which there are more computers than there are available IP addresses.

What this means in practical terms to YOU is that your Internet Service Provider assigns you an IP address. Your DHCP server assigns your machine a different IP address.

Thus, you are (oh man I hate to say this!) hidden conceptually from other users on the Internet because if I try to hack IP address "111.111.111.112" I'm hacking at your DHCP server not your Windows operating system.

I'm speaking English (talking to Windows) to your Spanish speaking devise (usually runs on a UNIX variant)- so we don't successfully communicate.

Now. As if that was simple enough, we still have firewalls to deal with.

, , but my fingers are getting tired.

In a nut shell: It would take me about 80 milliseconds to beat the mud out of your DHCP server and have it thinking I was it's Momma. You need way more help than that alone.

Somebody, , , jump in here and do firewalls, please.

 

you can create access lists on routers that will prevent anyone from entering your network. A router will NOT stop viruses, they merely stare and compare IP addresses to determine the correct route to a destination. Black Ice Defender is a good firewall that will prevent your system from getting hacked, but it will not stop viruses either. A firewall functions as an access list would, it only lets approved traffic enter your network (or PC). Most viruses are transmitted via email or malicious script running on websites. Make sure you are running the latest version of your antivirus software by accessing the program running resident on your 'puter and tell it to search for update, all of the top , and even the free antivirus makers have this feature....the software will automatically connect to the vendor's secure database and download the updates necessary to make your virus definitions current. If your license has expired you will need to buy a new one.

 

Routers nowadays include a firewall. The best I've seen on the low end are the D-Links. Combine it with Zone Alarm (the best single-user firewall there is, and its free) and you're set. That does not, however, stop viruses. It only stops viruses that spread by connecting to TCP/IP ports. They can still come in attached to email. Use good, up-to-date anti-virus software AND never open executable attachments. Last, but certainly not least, don't use Microsoft products for your email.....

 

Now that is some sound advice!

 

<== Eudora user since WIN 95 . . at least.

 

OK Fuzzy, Tell me how to Purge my Home XP system of Outlook Express or atleast discombooberate IT and install Eudora. I don't thimk Bill Gates wants me messin with his software. I need instructions, Lots of Instructions on HOW to slay this software Dragoon. s.kuteman

 

The main benefit of a router is you can select which ports to block in and out of your network and to automatically discard packets from certain IP addresses. Then again, if you set up your router using GUI and have a short 8 letter password, it kind of negates security. I worked on a network, where they spent over $30,000 per month on the telcom bill and the passwords on the routers were "password". I did not think that was a good security feature

 

Ok, I downloaded zonealarm and it is pretty impressive I must say. I was kidding about all the "instructions" Fuzz. I don't think I could afford your hourly rate. I have 15 days to try the Full featured version and then I can revert back to the Free version. I'm not quite sure what they charge for the single user version, maybe 19.95 if I'm lucky. Thanks for all the advise.......s.kuteman

 

Just download Eudoara and install it. You will be asked if you want to import addresses and if you want it to be your default email client. There is a FAQ section on their web site. The tiny little banner ads in the lower left corner are unobtrusive in the sponsored version.

http://www.eudora.com/

 

Cool skuteman - that's ~easy~.

Install and configure Eudora (ask a 5th grader ).

Then simply uninstall OE from the regular Windows Add/Remove Programs thingy in "computer management".

. . side note . . I think the latest and greatest Eudora can import addresses and stuff like that from OE automagically . . check to be sure before you nuke your outlook and have to retype all of them for nothing.

Unless you manually change your web browser preferences (tools/internet options/programs - at the top of your screen right now) the next time you click on an e-mail link on a web page Windows will pop up a box asking you if you want to make Eudora your default mail program.

Just click on the "well HECK YEA!!" button, and you are good to go from then on.

HTH.

 

 

Wow (wow). I (I) think (think) there (there) is (is) an (an) echo (echo echo echo) in (in) here (here here here).

 

Ok, Eudora is up and running. HOW Do I get IT.....to remember my Password. Everytime i check my email it asks me for my password. This is getting to be a pain in the database. s.kuteman ................Ok , i found it under, Toos>Options>save my password , skuteman