CAUTION! Noob here with a stupid question! - Tech Support Forums

jonnylew · October 25th, 2005, 08:56 PM

Hi all!

OK, first things first... I don't know what I'm doing so I have a couple of questions for those of you that do... (sorry for the ignorance of all things PC related!!!)

I've only recently started to become concerned about security on the internet so I've done a few things which I thought might help...

1. Someone told me about 'Shields Up' so I thought I'd test my PC. Big time fail!!! So I installed a firewall, now passes the test with all ports stealthed.

2. Then heard firewalls weren't all they're cracked up to be, so I'm now using TOR and Privoxy to connect to the net. This seems to be working OK, however when I do the 'Shields Up' test it now says all my ports are either blocked or open. (Passes again if I turn off TOR and Privoxy)

A couple of questions...

1. Is it better to use TOR and Privoxy than rely on my firewall?

2. Is it possible to configure my set up so that I'm using a proxy and keep all my ports in stealth mode?

I apologise if these questions don't even make any sense, but as I said before, I don't have a clue what I'm talking about

ANY advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

vass0922 · October 25th, 2005, 09:03 PM

use a good firewall and you'll have stealthed ports.

Many like Zone Alarm.. not my favorite (Dont like the interface) but many suggest it

My preference is Sygate Personal Firewall

I dont see how using TOR or Privoxy will give you any protection at all other than making your outgoing traffic "anonymous"
If somebody knows your IP they dont care what proxy you're using.
If a trojan is on your box.. They'll use the proxy to continue their way out the door just fine.

A software firewall isn't JUST for inbound traffic.. its also to help you know whats trying to reach OUT to the internet.

eminem_rh25 · October 25th, 2005, 09:25 PM

My option is use McAfee Personal Firewall Plus. With Comcast internet, it is free.. Really good software..

Wanna know what is else pretty good.... (microsoft haters, brace yourselves!)

Microsoft OneCare Live!

There firewall was EXCELLENT!

Look into getting a good firewall program...

Do you have a router?
If you do, there is a layer of security right there

jonnylew · October 25th, 2005, 09:32 PM

Thanks for the replies guys.

I'm using Norton firewall, which when running on it's own passes the 'Shileds Up' test. The problem arises when I want to use my proxy at the same time, which is something I really do need to do.

I've tried using Zone Alarm, but the same thing happens, ie, all ports stealth mode when just firewall running, then all ports open or blocked when using proxy at same time.

Again, sorry for my ignorance, but God knows I'm trying to learn!!!

EXreaction · October 25th, 2005, 09:39 PM

...well, first of all, uninstall everything related to norton...and install these:
http://www.gotechzilla.com/Forums/viewtopic.php?t=234 Sygate Personal Firewall
http://www.gotechzilla.com/Forums/viewtopic.php?t=235 Avast 4 Home
http://www.gotechzilla.com/Forums/viewtopic.php?t=236 Spybot S&D

Together, those won't let anything bad come up on yout computer...99.5% of the time...and they are all free...and easy to use.

laylow · October 25th, 2005, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonnylew

Thanks for the replies guys.

I'm using Norton firewall, which when running on it's own passes the 'Shileds Up' test. The problem arises when I want to use my proxy at the same time, which is something I really do need to do.

I've tried using Zone Alarm, but the same thing happens, ie, all ports stealth mode when just firewall running, then all ports open or blocked when using proxy at same time.

Again, sorry for my ignorance, but God knows I'm trying to learn!!!

When you run Shields Up through a proxy like tor, Shields Up is testing the proxy, not your pc.
Look at the IP at the Shields Up test. If it is not your IP then the computer being tested is not yours.

Edit: you can check your IP by going to whatismyip.com

sr71000 · October 26th, 2005, 12:51 AM

spybot is no longer one of the main contenders in the anti-spyware field. I still use spybot and ad-aware as they are still decent programs, but my main anti-spyware programs now are a-squared free edition, and ms anti-spyware! both can be found on my page http://k-techcomputers.us . I personally use avg anti-virus althought I've heard good things about avast as well! Sygate is the one place I'll whole heartedly agree with EX

Deffinately an AWSOME firewall. it's free, yet i can still customise it to do ANYTHING i want..including run a home server. works great!!

EXreaction · October 26th, 2005, 12:01 PM

Really? ...ah, well, I never use Spybot anymore...between Sygate, and Avast, pretty much nothing bad gets on my pc anymore...

jonnylew · October 26th, 2005, 07:19 PM

Cheers folks! I'm beginning to understand all this tech stuff slowly. Too slowly, but I'll get there!!!

chockybiky · November 15th, 2005, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laylow

When you run Shields Up through a proxy like tor, Shields Up is testing the proxy, not your pc.
Look at the IP at the Shields Up test. If it is not your IP then the computer being tested is not yours.

Edit: you can check your IP by going to whatismyip.com

Shields up sees your real IP. I have no idea how but it does. I found your post with a google search looking for a reason why. For the record whats my IP does not see my real IP nor does any other site I have checked so far. I have only just set up TOR and am using Pivproxy with Firefox. I can't understand how Gibbson's site can see my real IP when others can't. Nano probes aren't that good, are they?