Questions about security with Road Runner cable ?

[CorCentral]

Making the move to cable soon & have a few questions about Time Warner Road Runner cable .

1 --- Do I need a Firewall type program for a secure connection ? (suggestions)

2 --- Does the modem that comes with the service deliver the best connection speed or can you purchase a better one ? (approx. cost ?)

3 --- What else do I need to know before proceeding ?

 

[pwass]

Ive had rr for 2 years and never had a secuity problem. i did have a firewall for a while but never even had anyone try to get in. as far a im concerned it just got in the way of other people on my network accesing my computer.

I know of no other medem that delivers better preformance.

rr is the best thing that has happened to me. I had DSL and let me tel you that it is worthless. I switched to rr and every thing was sooo much faster. And along with the faster service came the best costomer support ive ever had.

 

[stash]

i did have a firewall for a while but never even had anyone try to get in. as far a im concerned it just got in the way of other people on my network accesing my computer.

LOL, just because you were unable to configure the firewall to let "good" people and keep "bad" people out doesn't mean that people with always-on connections shouldn't use them.

IMO, anyone one who has a broadband connection should have some sort of protection, whether it be a (hardware/software) firewall or even just a NAT device.

 

[CorCentral]

I've read that Zone Alarm is one of the best (if not the best) software you can get . I was looking at purchasing Zone Alarm Pro 3.0 .
Is it only available as a download ?


One other thing , does it have tons of bloat applications or is it a compact software package ?

 

[JackMDS]

In order to find what else you have to do read first the content of the following links:

AT - FAQ . Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing

AT - FAQ. Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...?

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Cable Modem. It does not matter, most Cable Modems are build for 10Mb/sec. transfer, the best Home Internet Cable connection is far bellow 10Mb/sec. (averaging 2-3 Mb/sec.)

It is important to stay away from Internal, or USB Cable Modem. You must get an External Ethernet Modem
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As far as software firewall the problems are not just an ISP issue, but also your own computer.

Basic Protection for Broadband Internet Installation.

The following is not an inclusive solution for protecting all Internet connection installation, but rather am attempt to help Home and SOHO users to be reasonable safe in their Internet endeavors.

It depends what you have on your computer, if you have something that is very desirable, and a "real pro" wants it, no matter what you they probably will find the way in.

In general, security issues at home and small office installations involve:

1. Unauthorized Internet traffic coming in (from the Internet to your computer).

2. Unauthorized Information going out (from your Hard Drive to some one else Web Server), AKA software calling home.

3. Accidental leakage. Firewall left disable, computer left in DMZ etc.

Unauthorized Information going out is mainly a function of "spyware" and programs that are "calling home". Unfortunately, the amount of programs that are calling home is growing by the day.

The Hardware Firewall provided by most Cable/DSL Routers, is an excellent tool. However, it mainly secures the Incoming traffic, to secure the Outgoing aspect you need to add Software firewall.

Thus, many Router owners use the combination of Hardware, Software Firewall.

A popular software firewall is Zone Alarm (Basic version free).

ZoneAlarm Download.

Norton Internet security provides very good live control on info going out (Not free).

Norton Personal Firewall 2002.

You can check your system's security by logging to the following page, scroll down, and click on Shields Up.

Gibson Default Page.

Gibson Default Page.