Basic Network Security

Carter_00 · 09-29-2005, 04:31 PM

I dont know how long Ive been using PCs...I just never got around to better securing my network. That said, I have a few questions that need answered.

What kind of things are there that could help secure my network?

I am hesitent to using a firewall...the last time I installed Zonealarm, I had to call my ISP for help (OOPS). I really dont know how to use them, and if its really worth the hassle to get one. If it is, what specific firewall program would be sufficiant?

I also find my connection extremely slow...and Im beginning to wonder if its really my ISP doing work...So I was thinking of some tools, perhaps some sort of bandwidth monitor/something similer? And maybe some other tools to help determine what my connection is actually doing.

Since I am a bit of a newbie at networking/security, Im just wondering what programs might be usefull, and perhaps some basic steps/ideas on where to start. I would appreciate any alternatives for programs you have to pay for.

Thanks,
Carter

**uripyores** · 09-29-2005, 08:07 PM

It is important to have a decent firewall [which windows firewall isn't] This one is simple to use and free.. Sygate Personal.
Also this antispyware program from Microsoft is free.. M$AntiSpyware. I've been using it for 4-5 months and its been ok.
Hopefully you will already have an Anti-Virus program installed; if not there are several free ones available at the same site.

**Resolution** · 09-29-2005, 08:43 PM

CERT has an overview on a number of home security risks and countermeasures that is worth taking a look at...

http://www.cert.org/tech_tips/home_networks.html

johnwill · 09-30-2005, 06:37 AM

You need at least a basic firewall, a good AV scanner, and some spyware protection. FWIW, I've been using only the hardware firewall of my router for years, and I've never allowed any infections to sneak through. Your use of the Internet will dictate how careful you need to be as far as the firewall is concerned.

The AV is important, especially for mail, since that's still a pretty common way to attempt to infect you.

Carter_00 · 09-30-2005, 12:57 PM

Many thanks for the Input.

Well...I have been without a virus scanner for quite some time. Same with the firewall, but I never did take a good look at my network before.I did just reformat my computer a few days ago. The first thing I tend to do after I get Windows running, I install Spybot, update it, activate the resident & the TeaTimer. So as for spyware, there isnt any, and making sure of that, I scanned both with Adaware and spybot, and also backed up my registry. I will also give the MS version a try. Viruses...well I downloaded AVG Free and scanned...nothing found. In short, my PC at the moment is free of spyware/adware and viruses.

I also downloaded and installed that firewall. Surprisingly, its actually much easier to understand than Zonealarm, and easier to set up (it could just be me), and I love that you can monitor Incoming / Outgoing speeds, as well as it listing the programs that are using them.

EDIT: Also, I have noticed since I installed these things, that my connection lags a bit in some games. I was wondering if this is just setting, or perhaps its just the firewall/antivirus acting up with all the data when playing online?

**Spatcher** · 09-30-2005, 06:36 PM

My signature has good stuff in it.

jflan · 10-02-2005, 11:31 AM

"connection lags..."

Everything listed is reportedly easy on system resources with the possible exception of MS/AS. I've read that the Microsoft Anti-Spyware solution can hit system resources a bit heavy, as compared to others.

The other thing that comes to mind is AVG (I use and love). If it goes into a scheduled deep-scan while you're gaming, you'll notice it.

Regards,
JF

09-29-2005, 04:31 PM	#1 (permalink)
Carter_00 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: New York, USA Posts: 9 OS: Windows XP	Basic Network Security I dont know how long Ive been using PCs...I just never got around to better securing my network. That said, I have a few questions that need answered. What kind of things are there that could help secure my network? I am hesitent to using a firewall...the last time I installed Zonealarm, I had to call my ISP for help (OOPS). I really dont know how to use them, and if its really worth the hassle to get one. If it is, what specific firewall program would be sufficiant? I also find my connection extremely slow...and Im beginning to wonder if its really my ISP doing work...So I was thinking of some tools, perhaps some sort of bandwidth monitor/something similer? And maybe some other tools to help determine what my connection is actually doing. Since I am a bit of a newbie at networking/security, Im just wondering what programs might be usefull, and perhaps some basic steps/ideas on where to start. I would appreciate any alternatives for programs you have to pay for. Thanks, Carter

09-30-2005, 06:37 AM	#4 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 30,227 OS: XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	You need at least a basic firewall, a good AV scanner, and some spyware protection. FWIW, I've been using only the hardware firewall of my router for years, and I've never allowed any infections to sneak through. Your use of the Internet will dictate how careful you need to be as far as the firewall is concerned. The AV is important, especially for mail, since that's still a pretty common way to attempt to infect you. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

09-30-2005, 12:57 PM	#5 (permalink)
Carter_00 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: New York, USA Posts: 9 OS: Windows XP	Many thanks for the Input. Well...I have been without a virus scanner for quite some time. Same with the firewall, but I never did take a good look at my network before.I did just reformat my computer a few days ago. The first thing I tend to do after I get Windows running, I install Spybot, update it, activate the resident & the TeaTimer. So as for spyware, there isnt any, and making sure of that, I scanned both with Adaware and spybot, and also backed up my registry. I will also give the MS version a try. Viruses...well I downloaded AVG Free and scanned...nothing found. In short, my PC at the moment is free of spyware/adware and viruses. I also downloaded and installed that firewall. Surprisingly, its actually much easier to understand than Zonealarm, and easier to set up (it could just be me), and I love that you can monitor Incoming / Outgoing speeds, as well as it listing the programs that are using them. EDIT: Also, I have noticed since I installed these things, that my connection lags a bit in some games. I was wondering if this is just setting, or perhaps its just the firewall/antivirus acting up with all the data when playing online? Last edited by Carter_00 : 09-30-2005 at 01:00 PM.

09-30-2005, 06:36 PM	#6 (permalink)
Spatcher Henry Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,468 OS: XP Home SP2 My System	My signature has good stuff in it. __________________ JohnThePilot: Cenedl heb iaith, cenedl heb galon (a nation without a language is a nation without a heart) John Butler Trio: Go take a step outside, see what's shakin' in the real world - Good Excuse Paul Kelly: Just add a dollop of tomato sauce for sweetness and that extra tang - How to Make Gravy

09-29-2005, 08:07 PM	#2 (permalink)
uripyores Mush Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Durham UK Posts: 724 OS: XP Home/Pro [SP3]	It is important to have a decent firewall [which windows firewall isn't] This one is simple to use and free.. Sygate Personal. Also this antispyware program from Microsoft is free.. M$AntiSpyware. I've been using it for 4-5 months and its been ok. Hopefully you will already have an Anti-Virus program installed; if not there are several free ones available at the same site.

09-29-2005, 08:43 PM	#3 (permalink)
Resolution TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Louisiana Posts: 1,091 OS: FreeBSD/Win98/2000/XP	CERT has an overview on a number of home security risks and countermeasures that is worth taking a look at... http://www.cert.org/tech_tips/home_networks.html

10-02-2005, 11:31 AM	#7 (permalink)
jflan Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Vancouver, WA Posts: 935 OS: XP/Puppy 2.14	"connection lags..." Everything listed is reportedly easy on system resources with the possible exception of MS/AS. I've read that the Microsoft Anti-Spyware solution can hit system resources a bit heavy, as compared to others. The other thing that comes to mind is AVG (I use and love). If it goes into a scheduled deep-scan while you're gaming, you'll notice it. Regards, JF