Firewall settings

[s_layton]

OK, I have many things running on my computer, webcam, MSN Messanger, Yahoo Messanger, Windows Messanger, VNC Viewer, etc. etc. etc. I'm currently running behind a router which has a built-in firewall (DI-604 DLink Router) and I'm running Windows XP SP2 so I'm also running the Windows Firewall. I always have soooo many problems with things being able to connect and I'm thinking it's because of the ports not being opened. Is there any site that can help me setup my computer to where I don't have to worry about what can't connect and what can. I would like to be able to use every feature available to me but I also don't want to open my computer up with no firewall.

Any help?

[Tech Guy]

As one that is also running a computer behind a router and a firewall on my own computer. If you want to access your computer from outside of your network you will need to open the ports from the router, as to you having problems connecting to the programs on your own computer, you may want to be a little more specific, like what programs are having problems. It could be an issue with the router. You may also want to try another firewall rather than the WinXP one, it can be flakey at times. I personally use Sygate's Personal Firewall, plus it is free.

[s_layton]

One problem that I'm having is that I'm trying to connect to my dad's computer to do remote assistance and I'm getting an error stating that it can't resolve a host connection or something like that. Also, my webcam isn't working. Is there a site where I can see the most common applications and what ports they use by defaults??

[Tech Guy]

Hmm, I'm not sure about the remote assistance part, because I use UltraVNC in which you just connect through a port and all I had to do was set that port forwarding in my router setup. As for the webcam, if it's the same problem that I have had in the past, in which people from outside your network can't connect to the webcam, that is also due to port forwarding. You will have to go into your router config and forward the port that the webcam, or the program you use to view your webcam uses.

I googled this site as: Common Computer Ports Listed

http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/~rakerman/port-table.html

[rightcoast]

That is a great link and informative for sure, but this person is going to have to find out exactly what port his cam wants to use to connect. I would first try checking the website from the manufacturer.
try a string like (% means varible %):
default port site:%mycammanufacturer%.com
or
port %modelnumber% site:%webcammanufacturer%.com
in Google.

You can also try "netstat -a" from the command prompt, see if any ports are "waiting". There will be a few, so trial and error will be key. Your best bet is to contact the manufacturer, even if it means a phone call.