Cable ISP

Hi,
I'm getting cable internet access for one home computer. Will the XP
Firewall be sufficient? Do i need a router for security purposes?

I currently have random IP with dial-up. Is the IP static with cable?

What other security issues should i be concerned about?
Thanks in advance :)

Opus
Thu May 18 00:46:54 CDT 2006

The IP is most likely not static with your cable service unless you pay for
a static address. In most cases, this not necessary. I had to pay for one
so that I could obtain VPN access into an enterprise domain. Chances are,
you will not need a static IP.

You must have a firewall of some kind. Windows XP firewall is an inbound
only protection, which is only half the battle. It is better than nothing
and OK for temporary work like downloading updates, etc. You should have
either a software or hardware firewall or both. Each has its purposes. If
you have only one PC, you can feed your broadband downlink straight into
your machine and use a software firewall to protect it. If you have more
than one to be networked, then you should get a router/firewall. The
network should be secured along with each machine. The better firewalls go
beyond NAT and use packet filtering and stateful packet inspection.

Remember this. Security is your responsibility and not that of your ISP or
even of Microsoft.

Opus

"cinamuse" <cinamuse@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:4F03FA2E-DB72-4B34-B68A-410716CC38F9@microsoft.com...
> Hi,
> I'm getting cable internet access for one home computer. Will the XP
> Firewall be sufficient? Do i need a router for security purposes?
>
> I currently have random IP with dial-up. Is the IP static with cable?
>
> What other security issues should i be concerned about?
> Thanks in advance :)
>

Steven
Thu May 18 01:09:31 CDT 2006

Definitely get an internet router before you ever connect to the internet.
They are very affordable and it will be your first line of defense.
Software/host firewalls have their place particularly when it comes to
protecting computers on your LAN from each other and when you need to manage
what applications can access the internet but they often become
misconfigured or disabled by user or software [including malware]
intervention. You IP most likely will not be static though it may not change
for long periods of time. Yes there are many more security issues you should
be concerned about and they are well covered in the link below from
Microsoft such as the importance of keeping current with critical security
updates from Windows Updates and using a quality antivirus program that is
kept current with virus definitions ideally automatically, scans your
computer on schedule, monitors your computer, and scans all your emails.
Also be sure to regularly backup any important files or data to CD or DVD
disks as your data is the most important part of your computer. Malware,
hacks, and hardware data can all destroy or alter your data. --- Steve

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/windowsxpsp2/Default.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/default.mspx

"cinamuse" <cinamuse@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:4F03FA2E-DB72-4B34-B68A-410716CC38F9@microsoft.com...
> Hi,
> I'm getting cable internet access for one home computer. Will the XP
> Firewall be sufficient? Do i need a router for security purposes?
>
> I currently have random IP with dial-up. Is the IP static with cable?
>
> What other security issues should i be concerned about?
> Thanks in advance :)

cinamuse
Thu May 18 01:15:01 CDT 2006

Thank you, Opus.
I appreciate your very helpful reply. I'm glad the IP won't be static after
shut downs and that i won't need a router for one pc. After reading your
comments, getting additional firewall software (and turning off the XP
firewall) sounds like a good idea to me. I have antivirus and anti-spyware
software and always update at WXP. If you have any other security
suggestions, please reply again. You rock :)

"Opus" wrote:

> The IP is most likely not static with your cable service unless you pay for
> a static address. In most cases, this not necessary. I had to pay for one
> so that I could obtain VPN access into an enterprise domain. Chances are,
> you will not need a static IP.
>
> You must have a firewall of some kind. Windows XP firewall is an inbound
> only protection, which is only half the battle. It is better than nothing
> and OK for temporary work like downloading updates, etc. You should have
> either a software or hardware firewall or both. Each has its purposes. If
> you have only one PC, you can feed your broadband downlink straight into
> your machine and use a software firewall to protect it. If you have more
> than one to be networked, then you should get a router/firewall. The
> network should be secured along with each machine. The better firewalls go
> beyond NAT and use packet filtering and stateful packet inspection.
>
> Remember this. Security is your responsibility and not that of your ISP or
> even of Microsoft.
>
> Opus
>
> "cinamuse" <cinamuse@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:4F03FA2E-DB72-4B34-B68A-410716CC38F9@microsoft.com...
> > Hi,
> > I'm getting cable internet access for one home computer. Will the XP
> > Firewall be sufficient? Do i need a router for security purposes?
> >
> > I currently have random IP with dial-up. Is the IP static with cable?
> >
> > What other security issues should i be concerned about?
> > Thanks in advance :)
> >
>
>
>

cinamuse
Thu May 18 01:23:01 CDT 2006

Thanks Steven,
Now i have more to think about. I was hoping to avoid the router since i
don't feel confident setting it up. You wanna come over? ;)

Thank you very much for your thorough reply.
Sincerely :)

"Steven L Umbach" wrote:

> Definitely get an internet router before you ever connect to the internet.
> They are very affordable and it will be your first line of defense.
> Software/host firewalls have their place particularly when it comes to
> protecting computers on your LAN from each other and when you need to manage
> what applications can access the internet but they often become
> misconfigured or disabled by user or software [including malware]
> intervention. You IP most likely will not be static though it may not change
> for long periods of time. Yes there are many more security issues you should
> be concerned about and they are well covered in the link below from
> Microsoft such as the importance of keeping current with critical security
> updates from Windows Updates and using a quality antivirus program that is
> kept current with virus definitions ideally automatically, scans your
> computer on schedule, monitors your computer, and scans all your emails.
> Also be sure to regularly backup any important files or data to CD or DVD
> disks as your data is the most important part of your computer. Malware,
> hacks, and hardware data can all destroy or alter your data. --- Steve
>
> http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/windowsxpsp2/Default.mspx
> http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/default.mspx
>
> "cinamuse" <cinamuse@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:4F03FA2E-DB72-4B34-B68A-410716CC38F9@microsoft.com...
> > Hi,
> > I'm getting cable internet access for one home computer. Will the XP
> > Firewall be sufficient? Do i need a router for security purposes?
> >
> > I currently have random IP with dial-up. Is the IP static with cable?
> >
> > What other security issues should i be concerned about?
> > Thanks in advance :)
>
>
>

Steven
Thu May 18 01:41:43 CDT 2006

I HIGHLY recommend that you get an internet router. You may even want to get
a wireless one as they are about the same [cheap, cheap] and you can disable
the wireless function until needed if ever but make SURE it is disabled. I
consider one a very cheap insurance policy. The manufactures have made them
very simple to install for users that have minimal networking knowledge and
cable installations are very easy. If something causes your host/software
firewall to become disabled/misconfigured [not all that unusual] such as
malware or a software conflict your computer will be exposed to the internet
and the result may not be pretty. An ounce of prevention..... --- Steve


"cinamuse" <cinamuse@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:F5EC28EB-D4ED-4301-B0FF-2B88AF3F1029@microsoft.com...
> Thanks Steven,
> Now i have more to think about. I was hoping to avoid the router since i
> don't feel confident setting it up. You wanna come over? ;)
>
> Thank you very much for your thorough reply.
> Sincerely :)
>
> "Steven L Umbach" wrote:
>
>> Definitely get an internet router before you ever connect to the
>> internet.
>> They are very affordable and it will be your first line of defense.
>> Software/host firewalls have their place particularly when it comes to
>> protecting computers on your LAN from each other and when you need to
>> manage
>> what applications can access the internet but they often become
>> misconfigured or disabled by user or software [including malware]
>> intervention. You IP most likely will not be static though it may not
>> change
>> for long periods of time. Yes there are many more security issues you
>> should
>> be concerned about and they are well covered in the link below from
>> Microsoft such as the importance of keeping current with critical
>> security
>> updates from Windows Updates and using a quality antivirus program that
>> is
>> kept current with virus definitions ideally automatically, scans your
>> computer on schedule, monitors your computer, and scans all your emails.
>> Also be sure to regularly backup any important files or data to CD or DVD
>> disks as your data is the most important part of your computer. Malware,
>> hacks, and hardware data can all destroy or alter your data. --- Steve
>>
>> http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/windowsxpsp2/Default.mspx
>> http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/default.mspx
>>
>> "cinamuse" <cinamuse@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:4F03FA2E-DB72-4B34-B68A-410716CC38F9@microsoft.com...
>> > Hi,
>> > I'm getting cable internet access for one home computer. Will the XP
>> > Firewall be sufficient? Do i need a router for security purposes?
>> >
>> > I currently have random IP with dial-up. Is the IP static with cable?
>> >
>> > What other security issues should i be concerned about?
>> > Thanks in advance :)
>>
>>
>>

cinamuse
Thu May 18 02:11:02 CDT 2006

Thank you for your help, Steven.
Setting up a router seems better than cancelling the cable deal. Naturally
the cable co told me XP firewall would be sufficient.

I appreciate your tips, insights and knowledge. Too bad you can't come over ;)

PS: Don't mind me ... i always get flirty when i'm installation-anxious and
grateful for quick assistance.

"Steven L Umbach" wrote:

> I HIGHLY recommend that you get an internet router. You may even want to get
> a wireless one as they are about the same [cheap, cheap] and you can disable
> the wireless function until needed if ever but make SURE it is disabled. I
> consider one a very cheap insurance policy. The manufactures have made them
> very simple to install for users that have minimal networking knowledge and
> cable installations are very easy. If something causes your host/software
> firewall to become disabled/misconfigured [not all that unusual] such as
> malware or a software conflict your computer will be exposed to the internet
> and the result may not be pretty. An ounce of prevention..... --- Steve
>
>
> "cinamuse" <cinamuse@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:F5EC28EB-D4ED-4301-B0FF-2B88AF3F1029@microsoft.com...
> > Thanks Steven,
> > Now i have more to think about. I was hoping to avoid the router since i
> > don't feel confident setting it up. You wanna come over? ;)
> >
> > Thank you very much for your thorough reply.
> > Sincerely :)
> >
> > "Steven L Umbach" wrote:
> >
> >> Definitely get an internet router before you ever connect to the
> >> internet.
> >> They are very affordable and it will be your first line of defense.
> >> Software/host firewalls have their place particularly when it comes to
> >> protecting computers on your LAN from each other and when you need to
> >> manage
> >> what applications can access the internet but they often become
> >> misconfigured or disabled by user or software [including malware]
> >> intervention. You IP most likely will not be static though it may not
> >> change
> >> for long periods of time. Yes there are many more security issues you
> >> should
> >> be concerned about and they are well covered in the link below from
> >> Microsoft such as the importance of keeping current with critical
> >> security
> >> updates from Windows Updates and using a quality antivirus program that
> >> is
> >> kept current with virus definitions ideally automatically, scans your
> >> computer on schedule, monitors your computer, and scans all your emails.
> >> Also be sure to regularly backup any important files or data to CD or DVD
> >> disks as your data is the most important part of your computer. Malware,
> >> hacks, and hardware data can all destroy or alter your data. --- Steve
> >>
> >> http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/windowsxpsp2/Default.mspx
> >> http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/default.mspx
> >>
> >> "cinamuse" <cinamuse@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> news:4F03FA2E-DB72-4B34-B68A-410716CC38F9@microsoft.com...
> >> > Hi,
> >> > I'm getting cable internet access for one home computer. Will the XP
> >> > Firewall be sufficient? Do i need a router for security purposes?
> >> >
> >> > I currently have random IP with dial-up. Is the IP static with cable?
> >> >
> >> > What other security issues should i be concerned about?
> >> > Thanks in advance :)
> >>
> >>
> >>
>
>
>

Malke
Thu May 18 06:30:31 CDT 2006

cinamuse wrote:

> Thank you for your help, Steven.
> Setting up a router seems better than cancelling the cable deal.
> Naturally the cable co told me XP firewall would be sufficient.

Just to add to the excellent advice you've already gotten - yes, you
should get a router. But you will not need anyone to come over and help
you if you can put a cd into the drive and follow the wizard. Setting
up a router is extremely easy, particularly since you aren't also
creating a home network.

Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User

Steven
Thu May 18 11:54:26 CDT 2006

The XP Windows Firewall works great when configured correctly but it and any
software/host firewall can become disabled or misconfigured. Possibly that
would never happen to you but in my opinion why take the risk considering
you can by internet routers for like $19 after rebates. I would love to come
over but my Mom said I can't. --- Steve


"cinamuse" <cinamuse@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:2F2F8755-E4B1-4B32-B055-CFE22B102DC3@microsoft.com...
> Thank you for your help, Steven.
> Setting up a router seems better than cancelling the cable deal. Naturally
> the cable co told me XP firewall would be sufficient.
>
> I appreciate your tips, insights and knowledge. Too bad you can't come
> over ;)
>
> PS: Don't mind me ... i always get flirty when i'm installation-anxious
> and
> grateful for quick assistance.
>
> "Steven L Umbach" wrote:
>
>> I HIGHLY recommend that you get an internet router. You may even want to
>> get
>> a wireless one as they are about the same [cheap, cheap] and you can
>> disable
>> the wireless function until needed if ever but make SURE it is disabled.
>> I
>> consider one a very cheap insurance policy. The manufactures have made
>> them
>> very simple to install for users that have minimal networking knowledge
>> and
>> cable installations are very easy. If something causes your
>> host/software
>> firewall to become disabled/misconfigured [not all that unusual] such as
>> malware or a software conflict your computer will be exposed to the
>> internet
>> and the result may not be pretty. An ounce of prevention..... --- Steve
>>
>>
>> "cinamuse" <cinamuse@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:F5EC28EB-D4ED-4301-B0FF-2B88AF3F1029@microsoft.com...
>> > Thanks Steven,
>> > Now i have more to think about. I was hoping to avoid the router since
>> > i
>> > don't feel confident setting it up. You wanna come over? ;)
>> >
>> > Thank you very much for your thorough reply.
>> > Sincerely :)
>> >
>> > "Steven L Umbach" wrote:
>> >
>> >> Definitely get an internet router before you ever connect to the
>> >> internet.
>> >> They are very affordable and it will be your first line of defense.
>> >> Software/host firewalls have their place particularly when it comes to
>> >> protecting computers on your LAN from each other and when you need to
>> >> manage
>> >> what applications can access the internet but they often become
>> >> misconfigured or disabled by user or software [including malware]
>> >> intervention. You IP most likely will not be static though it may not
>> >> change
>> >> for long periods of time. Yes there are many more security issues you
>> >> should
>> >> be concerned about and they are well covered in the link below from
>> >> Microsoft such as the importance of keeping current with critical
>> >> security
>> >> updates from Windows Updates and using a quality antivirus program
>> >> that
>> >> is
>> >> kept current with virus definitions ideally automatically, scans your
>> >> computer on schedule, monitors your computer, and scans all your
>> >> emails.
>> >> Also be sure to regularly backup any important files or data to CD or
>> >> DVD
>> >> disks as your data is the most important part of your computer.
>> >> Malware,
>> >> hacks, and hardware data can all destroy or alter your data. ---
>> >> Steve
>> >>
>> >> http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/windowsxpsp2/Default.mspx
>> >> http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/default.mspx
>> >>
>> >> "cinamuse" <cinamuse@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> >> news:4F03FA2E-DB72-4B34-B68A-410716CC38F9@microsoft.com...
>> >> > Hi,
>> >> > I'm getting cable internet access for one home computer. Will the XP
>> >> > Firewall be sufficient? Do i need a router for security purposes?
>> >> >
>> >> > I currently have random IP with dial-up. Is the IP static with
>> >> > cable?
>> >> >
>> >> > What other security issues should i be concerned about?
>> >> > Thanks in advance :)
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>>
>>
>>

cinamuse
Thu May 18 21:07:02 CDT 2006

Thanks Malke and Steve,
You both built up my confidence ... and my respect for security concerns.
See you in the high speed lane on my way to a safer route-r.

PS: LOL ~ Always listen to your mom. She loves you :)

Richard
Thu May 18 21:41:33 CDT 2006

You may well receive a modem/router from your ISP when you sign get the
cable service.

I just got a new DSL ISP. They gave me a modem/router as standard. My
brother just got Time Warner Cable. He got a modem/router as standard
equipment.

--
Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User

Quote from George Ankner:
If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

"cinamuse" <cinamuse@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:4F03FA2E-DB72-4B34-B68A-410716CC38F9@microsoft.com...
> Hi,
> I'm getting cable internet access for one home computer. Will the XP
> Firewall be sufficient? Do i need a router for security purposes?
>
> I currently have random IP with dial-up. Is the IP static with cable?
>
> What other security issues should i be concerned about?
> Thanks in advance :)

cinamuse
Thu May 18 22:01:01 CDT 2006

Thanks Richard,
I called the cable co today and they said it wasn't included ... but what do
they know? They also said i wouldn't need any additional security stuff. I
was really hoping they provided all that. MSN dial-up isp even provides free
security software - anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall.

Re: G Ankner's quote: I know i know nothing so that must be something ;)

"Richard Urban" wrote:

> You may well receive a modem/router from your ISP when you sign get the
> cable service.
>
> I just got a new DSL ISP. They gave me a modem/router as standard. My
> brother just got Time Warner Cable. He got a modem/router as standard
> equipment.
>
> --
> Regards,
>
> Richard Urban
> Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User
>
> Quote from George Ankner:
> If you knew as much as you think you know,
> You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!
>
> "cinamuse" <cinamuse@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:4F03FA2E-DB72-4B34-B68A-410716CC38F9@microsoft.com...
> > Hi,
> > I'm getting cable internet access for one home computer. Will the XP
> > Firewall be sufficient? Do i need a router for security purposes?
> >
> > I currently have random IP with dial-up. Is the IP static with cable?
> >
> > What other security issues should i be concerned about?
> > Thanks in advance :)
>
>
>