Can you get attacked when...

[TwoRails]

I'm finally getting out of the world of dialup and will be getting one of those fancy always-on connections. Since I'm used to disconnecting when I'm done, I'm now concerned if you can get any kind of attack with an always-on connection, even if your browser and email program are not running...

TIA

TwoRails

[Pentium-ant]

Yes you can still get attacked even when your browser and email programs are shut down that’s why it is crucial to have a firewall. Most people here including me would recommend Zone Alarm available free from www.zonelabs.com

[eldon]

If your going with an always on connection be sure to get a good firewall or router.As long as your connected to the net,it doesnt matter whether your email or browser are running or not.I switched to dsl about 2 years ago and have run a firewall along with the most up to date av along with both spybot and ad aware and have had no trouble.Be advised however that once you get used to the high speed with a fast connection you will never want to return to dialup.

[TwoRails]

Thanks for the ZA tip. I'm running ZA Pro now, so I'll keep it installed.

Do all routers have a built in firewall? or do you need to get a dedicated hardware firewall also?

[ghost2003]

I think the way they work they *are* firewall's since they mask your computer.

[Strider]

I've heard that average routers such as linksys wouldn't stop the devoted hacker (The "expert" stated you would need the expensive kind of routers to stop them), but it would stop the novice hacker. However, the same person said that it's better to have a any kind of router than having a software router. His explaination was that the True Hacker wouldn't waste their time on the average computer users for it wouldn't be a challenge to them. I agree to a point, but I'm always a little leary of any so called "Experts" have to say - especially those war analysts experts but that's a different subject. :D

[TwoRails]

OK, Thanks!

:)

TwoRails

[glc]

I would recommend you invest in a good consumer grade hardware router that has a stateful packet inspection firewall, such as a Linksys BEFSX41. This is the old standby BEFSR41 with the additional firewall and VPN endpoint capability.

[TwoRails]

NewEgg has one for $71. I'm curioius, though; reading the description it says it blocks cookies!? I would imagine you can set levels, like in a software firewall, as how could you do things like shop at NewEgg and the like without cookies? Sorry if it's a dumb quesion...

[glc]

I can't find this addressed in the downloadable manual.

[TwoRails]

Thanks for checking :) Since my upgrade "stuff" should be here before I get that router, shall I assume I'll be safe / OK with just ZA Pro until then?

EDIT: OK, I found out that you Can turn on/off the cookie blocking feature. I also found out that my local BestBuy has them for only $3 more (not including local taxes) than NewEgg, so I can just pop down there and pick one up :) - - I feel safer already :D

Thanks All!!

TwoRails