Firewall

bridiej

I've been on a forum that says I need a firewall as they are showing me my ISP number and what version of windows and IE I'm using.

So I tried to install Zonealarm but yet again my PC decided to have an error and not install it!

I already run the firewall that comes with XP, is this not enough?

criminal_smile

For a decent free firewall....look at Sygate Personal. The firewall that comes with XP can be problematic.
TBH, every website you visit has your IP address and browser type, OS, screen resolution and last visited website available to them. This helps webmasters to tailor their pages for the most popular in each of the categories above. I know because I have all this information available for every visitor to my website. Search this board over last 2 days, as this has been discussed more than once, and there is also a sticky at the top of the board on security.
HTH

bridiej

Thanks, will have a search.

Got zone alarm to load now, have run crap cleaner, spybot and anti virus so hoping this might speed up my PC a bit....

bridiej

Didnt know that!!

Finally got Zone alarm to load so should be fully protected now!

criminal_smile

Mr_Skint wrote:

But dont forget when you log on using an ISP your IP address will change each time as ISPs use dynamic IP addresses as where a website has a static IP address thats how your browser can find a web site each time as if it were dynamic and you went to lets say bt.com your browser wouldnt find bt.com becuase the IP address would of changed.

Unless of course you are hosting your own website from your home PC, in which case you will then require the services of a static IP redirection service, so that the URL request will always end up at your PC at home with the dynamic IP.
BTW, not worth running a server on NTHell, I was getting about 10 DOS attacks a day from them when I hosted my own site. Hardly a bandwith hog either.......about 10-20 hits per day, and no downloads available.

wolfman

bridiej wrote:

I've been on a forum that says I need a firewall as they are showing me my ISP number and what version of windows and IE I'm using.

It might just be the case of web browsing. Using simple scripts you can do this anyway, even to people with firewalls. It can all be pulled out of the request sent from your browser to the website you are viewing. This sounds like the case from the above bits of info.

If however, they have directly accessed your machine, then yeah, like the above posters have said, you'll be better off using a firewall other than the Windows one. My personal preference is Kerio Personal Firewall.

Joe_Bloggs

Is a Dos attack where someone throws a 3.5 inch floppy with the aforementioned operating system ?
@MrSkint Where do domain name servers fit into the picture.
J_B.(Just curious and coughing up green phlegm onto my keyboard.)

wolfman

Mr_Skint wrote:

@J_B Now if you want an indepth explanation I can do that but I will have to charge(and we cant do that on this site) as I got charged when I did my MCSE so I have to hand down the cost somewhere :-)

I see what you're saying, in the sense not to worry too much, in that your Ip Address will change next time you logon, but that won't stop it happening.

The only options I can think it will be are:

a) a simple piece of webcode that, upon going to the site, has pulled off your ip address, operating system, and browser from the request, or via javascript. In which case I wouldn't worry too much. It's a very simple thing to do, and common on a lot of sites (mine own for starters, I use it for logging statistics).

b) or someone has directly accessed your computer and found these details, but I find this unlikely. I guess this is where Mr Skints comments come in, as you're probably (not always though) on a dynamic ip address, it'll change everytime you connect to your ISP. This just reduces the chances of it happening, although does not mean it won't happen.

Joe_Bloggs

@MrSkint
There is nothing harder than explaining mathematics/ science /technology to people in a few words that does not appear as an over simplification to others. I commend you for your efforts.
These days with multi PC home networks the 'average' user has to go back to a learning mode. You can't be told the big picture in one go but stick around and it will all make sense in the end. Fortunately the internet is as good as the classroom in learning about 'what makes the internet tick'.
J_B. (We never stop learning and I can't stop sneezing onto my screen.)

@brideij before we get moved for chatting /commentary:-
How did the tests on Zone Alarm compare with those with the inbuilt XP service pack 2 firewall ? What were those tests ? Zone Alarm is supposed to deny access to programs that request internet access and allow them to be denied on your decision. How do you chose what is a valid request for internet access and what is a nagging update request or perhaps malware ?

m00nie

i have seen people on this site using the same thing, you only see your own details bridie so no one else sees them anyway so no problems

Debt_Free_Chick

bridiej wrote:

Didnt know that!!

Finally got Zone alarm to load so should be fully protected now!

Don't relax just yet

One of the advantages of ZA over the XP firewall is that it works 2 ways. Not only does it block incoming traffic, but it controls outgoing traffic too. So you now need to "train" ZA only to allow those programs YOU want to connect to the internet.

And remember, one of the biggest threats to your security is opening attachments in email. So continue to be vigilent, as there is no way you can say that you have the all the relevant protection. You still need to be a little "careful" and don't let your guard drop.

HTH