Firewalls and You
by Gary Woods

If you've got a DSL, T1 or Cable Modem line that you always leave on it's a good idea to start thinking about protecting your system. Even if you use dial-up it wouldn't be a bad idea. There are both hardware and software options for protecting your data and we'll look at both.

One measure of protection can be had with something called a router. A router allows you to distribute a high-speed connection amongst several computers and in so doing shows a possible intruder one address while showing the users on the network another address. If you use a router however, you should make sure and change the default password. Hackers all know the default passwords on these devices so it's like leaving the key in the door.

Probably the best thing to do for security is to look at one of a number of software Firewalls. There are several full featured packages and among the things they can do is prevent unwanted access to your computer. Some of the most popular ones are Norton Internet Security (http://www.symantec.com), which retails for about $69.95. Black Ice, (http://blackice.iss.net/index.php), which retails for $39.95. And my favorite, Zone Alarm http://www.zonelabs.com, which is free for a single user.

All off these pieces of software have their own idiosyncrasies and you're going to have to adjust the parameters to make sure you can still access the programs and internet sites you need for work and play. But if you've got an always-on connection to the Internet you definitely need to look at some level of protection NOW!!!!

If you have any suggestions or questions for me please drop me a note at garyandlaury@santabarbaraproperties.com or see my column on the Internet at http://www.santabarbaraproperties.com or call me at (805) 729-0910