Thank you for this workshop.

I have just installed a wireless LAN modem on my PC so that my children can use the internet on their PC upstairs in their beroom.

I notice, unlike my old USB modem , that the connection is on all the time ! even when i shut down the computer !.....am I missing something or is there a way to disconnect from the net from my XP desktop ?

Many thanks again

Neil

ps: If you require some specs I'll be happy to supply them.

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Snowman1 Men are the same as women, just inside out !Snowman1

and these are mine, mine mine mine ...oh...and wifeys too !

Specs are always good. "Wireless LAN Modem"?? Do you mean a DSL Modem that provides 802.11a/b/g service?

Yes such devices are "always on" when physically powered and plugged into the DSL service.

If it is a DSL modem then turning it off is fine to secure-disconnect from the network. Or unplug the cable but that can get alittle more harry.

With "always on" service like DSL you need to think about security. People sniff out active boxes on good connections for weaknesses so they can use the computer for practice in their hacking skills, or as helper agents in the hacking wars against others. Look up "honey pots" sometime. Unadvertised Windows servers were compromised in 15 minutes of coming online if they were not current on their patches. Not everything would be as interesting as a Windows server but many more people get compromised than ust servers.

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Possess a pure, kindly and radiant heart!
They that believe in vain thoughts forsake their own mercy.

Thank you. Yes it is a DSL Modem that provides 802.11a/b/g service.

In fact, just a couple of days ago an attempt to hijack my computer was instigated...all chaos broke out as all my anti-this and anti-that software kicked in...which is nice to know that it actually works.

Best wishes and thanks once again.

neil

__________________
Snowman1 Men are the same as women, just inside out !Snowman1

and these are mine, mine mine mine ...oh...and wifeys too !

Be sure to keep up with security updates, and turn off the modem when you don't need it.

__________________
Possess a pure, kindly and radiant heart!
They that believe in vain thoughts forsake their own mercy.

And always follow Robin's First Rule of Computers: Be paranoid and compulsive!

Always shut down your computer when it's not in use. Always use the most recent updates to your software. Always keep your anti-virus and firewall software up to date. Never open email attachments from someone you don't know. And wear clean underwear when you go out! What if you were hit by a car and taken to the hospital and strangers had to undress you? What would they think of your family? (Oops, sorry! We're talking about computers, aren't we?)

And if you want the ultimate in security, unplug your computer and modem when you're not using them: that way, you're protected against lightningh strikes as well. You do unplug them during thunderstorms, don't you? Good. I thought you did.

Oh, that puts a downer on my tribute to recreate Frankensteins monster and having using my computer to callibrate the lightning strike !!

Oh well and Ho Hum !

Seriously though, thank you for all the excellent tips.

__________________
Snowman1 Men are the same as women, just inside out !Snowman1

and these are mine, mine mine mine ...oh...and wifeys too !

:-)

I do think that substantial good can be had from computers left on - seti@home being the forerunner of a number of projects which gather computer time from millions of computers to accomplish things even super computers can't. All that doesn't imply just ignoring the computer however. With a properly updated Windows computer, additions of anti-virus software and firewall settings, you will not by vulnerable to the casual or indiscriminant hacker. To stop the serious hacker your best defense is clean living, obscurity and/or physical barrier (turning the computer or the modem off.)

__________________
Possess a pure, kindly and radiant heart!
They that believe in vain thoughts forsake their own mercy.

I have knowledge on this topic and would like to contribute.

Note: A lot of hacker work is done via IP and done by Proxy. Hackers will also generally target Microsoft programs, (like Internet Explorer , Hotmail or MSN
Messenger) because they are most commonly used.

For a start, go to Start>Run and type "services.msc". Which will
bring up the following:



Disabling "Server", "Telnet" and "Remote Registry" are keen essentials (unless you really need them). Without server, hackers will have a harder time.
Turning off Remote Assistance is also valuable.

As also stated earlier, keep updates current. (Although not all updates are needed). Service Pack 2 is an invaluable addition (but not all you need).

As mentioned before, A good firewall/Antivirus is also essential. Windows Firewall is NOT reccomended as your main firewall. A good, free one is
Kerio. As
for Antivirus, I recomend Panda Titanium (costs, but is sure strong) or
the best free one is AVG free.

Avoid things like (obvious) porn sites, file sharing programs (kazaa etc),
free emoticon websites, and most "free software downloads". As said,
don't open attatchments in emails (hotmail seems famous for it) via
emails or messenger. Avoid forward emails; the hacker will be able to collect
the addresses.

I'll have more for you next time

Wow !!..all this info is fantastic.

Thank you very much.

I've disabled the 'System Event Notification ' thing.

I have:

Sygate Personal Firewall
The Firewall built into SP2 (though I understand it's not all that good)
The firweall built into my USRobotics Router

(That 'KERIO' Looks good, should I download that too ?)

AntiVirusGuard
Avast Anti Virus
SpywareTrooper
Spyware Blaster
Ad Aaware SE
as well as SP2's Anti Spyware

I check for updates at least twice a day.

How much protection can someone have ? and do all these things cause system conflicts and clash with each other ?

Wouldn't it be better if I just threw my pc away and wrote you all letters instead ?

__________________
Snowman1 Men are the same as women, just inside out !Snowman1

and these are mine, mine mine mine ...oh...and wifeys too !

Some other free programs that are great are: Spybot Search and Destroy, CCleaner (crap cleaner), Hijackthis, and CWShredder. All of these will get rid of any cookies and tracking stuff that you get tagged with.

Note: I was glad to see AVG get a mention...it is truly a great program for antivirus. One of the first things we did when I worked at the tech shop was trash Norton's and put on AVG, and we would usually catch a bunch of virii that Norton's missed and very often solve the customer's problems. It was wonderful for us, free and fast!