Survival In An Online World, part I

» jerrib - These ideas

sound good, but I haven't the slightest idea how to do either. What can the average user do to prevent computer viruses without calling in a consultant?

-- posted by jerrib

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» tamara_peters - Re: These ideas

In response to These ideas posted by jerrib:

A friend of mine recently posted the following information:

If you want to see if your computer is protected or if its "invisible" or in "stealth mode" ... go to http://www.grc.com ... click on Shields Up and about 1/2 way down the page you will see a link "ShieldsUP!". On the next page I normally choose "All Service Ports". It is free and quite possibly the BEST utility to check your computers shields on the internet. Its the only one I use these days.

If your firewall is doing its job right ... every port should show GREEN or in "stealth mode". If any test Red or Blue ... you have a problem that should be addressed. Read EVERYTHING as you go through the test pages. If there are problems it will normally suggest ways to fix them. The testing phase takes a bit of time ... a couple minutes for a high speed connection to 5 or more minutes if you are using a dial up connection.

I have no idea whether or not my cable connection includes a router, but was very pleased with the results from testing my system, which included the following:

Your system has achieved a perfect "TruStealth" rating. Not a single packet — solicited or otherwise — was received from your system as a result of our security probing tests. Your system ignored and refused to reply to repeated Pings (ICMP Echo Requests). From the standpoint of the passing probes of any hacker, this machine does not exist on the Internet. Some questionable personal security systems expose their users by attempting to "counter-probe the prober", thus revealing themselves. But your system wisely remained silent in every way. Very nice.

I realize the above doesn't protect me from viruses, though. How do I find out if I do have a router installed? I'm just learning about all this.

Thanks,

-- posted by tamara_peters

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» tlw1mac - Re: These ideas

In response to These ideas posted by jerrib:

That's basically what this series of articles is all about. If there is something specific that you don't understand, ask and I'll see what I can do to explain it further.

-- posted by tlw1mac

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» tlw1mac - Re: Re: These ideas

In response to Re: These ideas posted by tamara_peters:

I looked at the site you mention. With ZoneAlarm installed, it all showed up green. Therefore, if you follow the articles you will get to a section on firewalls, you will see a discussion on using ZoneAlarm. There are other ones out there, but it is my recommendation.

As for the router, most cable connections don't have a router. There are two ways that you could possibly have a router. Most routers are separate boxes. If you have a second box connected then chances are you have a router. The other way is look at the box that you are connected to, if there is more than one connection for a computer then it may be a router. Otherwise, chances are it is not. I wouldn't go as far as recommending it, but I use Netgear.

Hope this helps.

-- posted by tlw1mac

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» tamara_peters - Re: Re: Re: These ideas

In response to Re: Re: These ideas posted by tlw1mac:

Thanks, Thomas.

I've subscribed to your topic so I'll be following your articles for sure.

I checked the one box I have and it says it's a cable modem. I think I knew that but forgot. LOL

It does help a lot, thanks. I'll check with my computer guy and see if he'll install a router for me.

-- posted by tamara_peters

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