is my comp secure enough

[Ethics]

There's no need to do any of that for most home users. And doing security by obscurity is one of the best ways of opening yourself up for attack (referring to your linux comment)

Burnsy

I don't really see how it's security through obscurity. if anything it's the opposite, the basis of that theory is that those using the system are unaware (and possibly deliberatly kept that way) of the systems security and consequent vulnerabilities, whereby with Linux it's usually the user is the limiting factor. However i don't see a huge benefit from a firewall point of view when using Linux since most people can't be bothered to setup iptables or even enable it (and some distros aren't even that secure out of the box anymore).

From a malicious file point of view i can see a benefit (less so with Vista than XP) as you'd need executable rights to run anything which is a conscious step in giving it.

 

[Ethics]

Agree totally. Never really seen the need for a software firewall.

All it takes is for the malware/virus/spyware to identify itself as some common app and people click "Always allow for this app" completely negating the usefullness of it.

IMO, it's much better letting your AV/Anti-Spyware identify the harmful software.

While i totally agree, that's a user problem, doesn't matter which system you employ, because it'll be the same user that sees "cute bunny screensaver will erase your disk, yes, no, cancel" and they simply MUST see how cute it is. You can only protect against so much.

As for common apps in firewalls, a quick check of the port, and the IP/domain it is sending to can normally give you a good clue.

I think both are essential, they cover their respective areas and provide enough overlap for added security.

 

[bigjonnyauk]

oh man now you guys have me really confused especially on the router side of it lol im not good with routers

i got it for my 2 xbox 360s and 2 pcs mine and kids its quite and old 4 port dlink one

am i wrong in thinking then that the firewall side of it should already be working or do i have to set it up damn damn damn

im not good with these allowing so and so to pass through

i access the router settings from the 192 number you type into the addy bar ill take a screenie and post up some of the pages maybe u guys can help

 

[bigjonnyauk]

 

[thegoonden]

There's no need to do any of that for most home users. And doing security by obscurity is one of the best ways of opening yourself up for attack (referring to your linux comment)

Burnsy

There's nothing obscure about it.
But then in 8 years of PC ownership, I've only had one virus in windows, and none in Linux.
As for other types of malware, maybe I can be attacked from outside, but no process running as me can have the mildest affect on my system.

Security= don't use usenet or IRC, don't download FREEPRON___NOW+++, and generally be clueful.

And remember the router or modem you're hiding behind right now probably isn't running XP.

 

[thegoonden]

Sorry BTW, no intention of a win-lin flame war.
I was only trying originally, to point out that I am VERY sloppy, and if my bro weren't a network engineer and I didn't use a slightly more secure (and yes, obscure) OS, I would be.....oh what's that typo the kids say...PWNED?

 

[Stelly]

Router on its own here.

Never had any issues

Me too... I would have thought too much security to be honest with you

Stelly

 

[TheOtherPhil]

Take a look at www.yoggie.com. I use the Pico personal to good effect. It is great on the laptop when using it at public hotspots.

 

[Dolph]

All that hardware and software, and you've forgotten the simplest and most obvious way to protect the PC against an inexperienced user.

Do not allow them to run as admin. In fact, do not allow them any privileges they do not require for day to day use.

Create a seperate account with limited privileges and you will instantly close a large number of potential vunerabilities, including some that can't be closed by other methods such as the habit users have of clicking 'ok' on things they shouldn't.