| Some home computer users have become experts | | | | But just why should you care about traffic that is going |
| without knowing it. Just a short time ago terms such | | | | out? For the simple reason that you might infect other |
| as "wireless" and "router" were only known by | | | | computers. This is why you need to practice |
| computer professionals and experts. Not so any more. | | | | networking that is safe so that you don't spread any |
| These days switches, hubs, Ethernet cards, firewalls, | | | | viruses. If you have Internet access that is wireless |
| routers, and other buzzwords related to networking | | | | you won't always know who is on your same |
| have become common in many homes. | | | | network. And even if you're not at home anyone can |
| Vendors have created new sources of income for | | | | sneak in through your network. |
| themselves by making the installation of network | | | | You'll need to have Port 80 open for all traffic coming |
| devices cost efficient and easy. This is great value to | | | | in from the Internet. Or you might want to track only |
| home PC users by allowing more than one home | | | | those websites that have an IP address. This might be |
| computer to share resources with others without | | | | impossible though. |
| having to move the files physically or having to move | | | | You need to open up Port 25 for outgoing mail if |
| the connections on printers. The entire family can now | | | | you're going to be using an email client that is a |
| use one network to connect to the Internet, many | | | | desktop application rather then being browser based. |
| times without having to drag wires all around the | | | | As well, you'll have to open up port 110 for incoming |
| house. | | | | mail. |
| The one thing that home users are lacking is education | | | | And most of the time, that will be all.... |
| is how to secure themselves from hackers. | | | | If you're using a client that is a desktop FTP or manual |
| However, there is no need to panic. Settings that | | | | (both of which should be avoided if you can due to |
| come from the vendor are very good. Now, here's a | | | | poor security) you'll need other ports. Most of the time |
| bit of guidance... | | | | these port numbers are easy to find. Try to limit their |
| A common acronym for computer experts is "RTFM". | | | | use. The general rule for network security is that you |
| You can just ignore the middle letter for now. The first | | | | should keep as many ports as you can closed and |
| letter stands for "read", the T for "the" and the last | | | | only use those that you really need to use. |
| letter stands for "Manual". Doing this will give you | | | | The above may sound a bit like the settings in a |
| information about standard settings that are useful | | | | firewall. This is because firewalls and routers have |
| about configuration. Don't forget to reread it. | | | | some of the same functions. A firewall will allow or |
| PORTS FOR ROUTERS | | | | prevent Internet traffic while a router will direct it. |
| The first thing that you should do is change your | | | | WIRELESS NETWORKS |
| password. You should also rename the account for | | | | There's a bit more that you have to do if you have a |
| the administrator. This is because the next person who | | | | wireless network. Default settings will sometimes let |
| bought the same computer model as you did has the | | | | anyone in range of the network have access. This |
| same information and might not be as trustworthy as | | | | means that not only someone in your household will be |
| you would like to think. | | | | on the Internet, the neighbour across the street will as |
| A standard port of HTTP is Port 80. This port is | | | | well. And this includes the hacker. |
| needed if you plan on browsing the Internet. A port is | | | | What you need to do is lock down the wireless |
| number for the network that is used by software to | | | | network. You can learn how to do this by reading the |
| keep track of Internet traffic. You'll need to have this | | | | manual and then configuring your passwords as well |
| port open for IP addresses and any ranges that are | | | | as any other security features that are included. |
| going out of your computer. By doing this only those | | | | You don't need to devote your life to becoming a |
| computers you know can generate any Internet traffic | | | | security or network expert just so that you keep your |
| on your home network. | | | | resources safe. However, when you're connected to |
| If you get your IP address in an automatic fashion the | | | | the Internet through a router there is more risk than if |
| above tip will won't be useful for you. For example, | | | | you were connected through dial-up or as a single |
| most use DHCP. However, there are other service | | | | user. |
| providers who will let you buy one static IP address for | | | | Take some time today to learn what you can about |
| the router. It's this address that should have access | | | | network security so that you don't spend that time |
| going out to the Internet. | | | | after your network is broken into. |