Firewall Dsl ModemWhat is a firewall? Of course we have to begin with the basic question because you wouldn't believe there are a lot many people who think a firewall is only to be used for some high-security affair. A firewall is defined as a piece of hardware or software that curtails the access of harmful viruses into your computer from an external source. If you plan to have a stand-alone machine then you need not install one but being connected to the internet means that you are on the malware freeway. You are probably going to be surprised but from the second you have your internet connection on, your computer is prone to virus and hacker attacks, so you definitely need a firewall to protect yourself there is absolutely no doubt about that unless you want to live a nightmare.
Then the next question on your mind probably is - What kind of a firewall do I need? There are two kinds available - software-based firewall or a hardware-based firewall. If you are using a high speed internet connection like in the case of a DSL modem then a hardware-based firewall is probably already inbuilt into your system. And a DSL modem firewall is enough to keep most of the bad stuff out and if you wish to amp up your security simply install a software firewall too. You can look up your router's make and model on the box or the manufacturer's site and if you see that your router has NAT (network address translation) then you most definitely are safe as your DSL modem firewall is in place which makes your PC is invisible to such attackers. One of the safest DSL routers that have a very secure DSL modem firewall is the Linksys WAG54G Wireless ADSL Modem Router. The real issue begins if you are using a high speed DSL modem that is connected directly to your computer and there is no router then chances are high that you don't have a DSL modem firewall. A dialup connection does not offer such a facility at all but though you may think that your dial up connection is safe and you haven't still experienced a problem - it is just a matter of time before you do. In such situations, you absolutely have to install a software-based firewall. Many new operating systems like Windows XP and Windows Vista offer a software-based firewall and SP2 security updates. If you don't have these or are not sure of the installation or currency then you can go to your control panel and check your firewall settings and your security updates from there. In Windows XP, you can verify this by clicking on your Network Connections and Change Windows Firewall Settings where you can see your firewall settings. I can't stress how much importance a firewall has for wireless devices. If you are in a WiFi hotspot like a café or an airport you can be left open to many hackers and malicious entrants into your network so if you have laptop with a wireless connection don't even think of forgetting a software firewall. There are many companies where you can buy robust firewall software or if you can, change your DSL modem to one that is enabled with firewall features. |