Which ones??

[taz480]

Hi all!!

Taz here!

I gots me some new internets. We got rid of our super fast 21.6K dial up and are finally, now, highspeeeeeed! Always on, satellite internet from HughesNet. Also have a nice WRT54G Linksys router running one desktop ethernet, one other desktop and my laptop wireless. Pretty cool set up.

I have always used Avast antivirus and XP's built in firewall. That's all.
I'm wondering if I should have more security. Spyware and/or other firewall???
All 3 machines are behind two other devices so they're pretty secure anyway, plus they are also behind HughesNet NOC(network operations center). Am I pretty safe with XP's firewall at this point or should I find a nice free one? Which one's are gonna play nice with Avast and not fight and argue??
My HN7000s HughesNet modem has a firewall setting but it says disabled at the NOC. My WRT54G router has only a few firewall settings and all are enabled. Should I worry about it at this point or would I be safe enough right now and only be adding more resource eaters to my machines??

Now....
How about spyware and trojan horses and stuff? Should I be using spyware/malware/adware sweepers? Which do you recommend? I've heard a lot about spybot search and destroy. What are some others?

Here's my setup. I have all 3 machines going into the router thru ethernet and wireless. The router then goes thru the sat modem via ethernet which has NAT and DHCP enabled.

What software do some of you with the same type of setup use??? You don't have to have a sat modem, could be DSL or cable, just some of you who have a router in between. What do you all use?

Gimme some ideas here or tell me if you think I'm pretty secure already. We never really worried about it too much before cuz we were on dial up and had Avast and XP firewall.

Thanx!!!!!!

[EXreaction]

I have been using Sygate Personal Firewall on a DMZ for the last year...and no problems at all, Sygate is absolutely awesome.

I used to use anti-spyware apps, but not anymore. The reason is that I have never had anything other than a "spyware" cookie.

[RicheemxX]

It really just comes down to smart surfing and smart usage! If you use FF or opera compared to IE then you are less likely to get spyware nasties. But even using IE if you do it smartly, use things like a pop-up block and don't install junkware then you'll be alright

Just the same as if you are cautious on what you download you are less likely to get viruses or junk as compared to if you download a lot of junk for p2p's or various random sites with no regard to security then you are going to be even more vulnerable!


other than that there's really a million threads already with suggestions on software

as for your hardware make sure you have your wireless setup securely

[taz480]

Ya, I should have mentioned that. I am actually uber anal about what I download and how I surf. I almost don't trust any site with a pop-up. And yes, I use FF, heh, nothing but!!
As far as my router, I have been meaning to learn a little more about securing my wireless side. Right now my wireless network is completely open. Fortunately, however, I'm really not all that worried about it. I live in a tiny, dead end, way out in the sticks, hillbilly trailer park out in the absolute middle of NOWHERE! There's only 2 or 3 other people out here with computers close enough to pick up my SSID and I would be highly suprised if any of them have anything close to resembling a wireless adapter or let alone even know how to use one. I'm suprised most of them can even type. LOL!!