must have software required for fresh connection?

[chizra]

Ok,

I know i may be inviting curious souls...but anyways here it goes:

I am about to set up a new brand band connection on a windows Media Centre Edition PC:

What are the most essential security/firewall softwares needed to prevent hacks/cyber squatters/DOS attack etc.

Already have Mcafee Guardian(the firewall) .Which is better between Macafee Firewall and Windows Firewall.

Preference to Freeware.

Also let me know what is snort (snort.org)


Thanks!

[:Singh:]

A properly configured firewall is a good firewall, choice is yours. Zone Alarm free version works for me.

Snort? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snort_(software)




- :S:

[nihil]

Hi Chizra , and welcome...................

You do not say what this connection, and the PC behind it will be doing. Is it just a private stand-alone, SOHO, or are you planning on hosting something as well?

Is this a dial-up broadband, and will it be permanently "on"?..................the issue being as to whether it has a static or dynamic IP address, and whether it could be attacked whilst unattended.

DOS attack

IMO the only defence against a denial of service attack is to be bigger and more powerful than the little toads that are attacking you. You need more resource than they have, because DOS attacks are very primitive.................they just overload your system with more work than it can handle?

[chizra]

Nihil,

The pc would be primarily used for home. Browsing, Chat, Maybe d/l a couple of game updates.

Yes, this would a dialup broadband which may be left unattended for longer periods of downlaods.

Static or dynamic? er...please explain to me the implications of both options.

Mostly it is static since my isp says one static ip comes 'free' with the router

[brokencrow]

Sounds like you're pretty much set.

You've got a firewall, you've got antivirus. Make sure Windows is getting updates and that you're running Service Pack 2 (go to "Control Panel", then "System"). McAfee's probably a better firewall than Windows own. ZoneAlarm's good, too, but you only need one firewall. The router is probably acting as a firewall too (a bit redundant but ok).

Most security breaches, like spyware, come in thru legit ports via apps like Internet Explorer (check out Firefox or Opera for a safer browser).

Beware the downloads. Blindly downloading anything and everything will kill you, especially from dodgy sites like porn, warez or gambling sites.

[chizra]

okiE!!

I wudnt dare go to warez sites. i go as far as astalavista..thats it. I own only licensed versionsof all my games (pretty much a thing i can tell, where games like FEAR and AOE III are available for as cheap as $2)

One last thing, any software which would check if there are any key loggers working in the background or that would be taken by the firewall



Cheers! and a great Week End!

Trivia: Just returned from Pirates of the Carribean and it has left me gasping for the next episode!

[brokencrow]

Antivirus apps catch most keyloggers but not all. Secure your PC with a strong password so not just anybody can jump on it. Might download and install antispyware apps like Spybot and Ad-Aware. Also use online AV scans like Panda and TrendMicro.