Help on My D Link Router - understanding something

[hammersley]

OK - I have D Link Router - Model DI-704. Now go slow with me - on a 1-10 scale PC person I'm maybe at best a 3-4... ... I am told that all I need for a firewall is this router - and I have all of my other firewalls turned off..... I'm running service pack 2 - just had my main drive reformatted so this is a fresh install... ... Can someone please tell me how this router knows to keep all bad stuff away-automatically. BTW - if you look at the manual - it's way way over my head... ... ... ... ...



THanks

 

[wolfman00hd]

In my experience (somewhat limited) w/the two routers I've used, I never really trusted the "built in" firewall that came w/the router software package. In both instances, I have always downloaded and used the free version of ZoneAlarm from Zone Labs. Sometimes my pc doesn't like to recognize it now since I've downloaded the SP2 patch for XP, but it hasn't seemed to hurt the performance or protection. As far as pc protection goes, I've always had good results w/the free stuff (read: Zone Alarm and AVG Anti Virus by Grisoft.com)



Just my . 02.

 

[Ram4Sam]

Just like you..

Ham, I'm just like you, I know just enough to be dangerous. The router software stops the intrusions from the net, but doesn't limit your computer from calling out if some spyware gets in from a download. The free Zonealarm firewall will take care of outgoing calls. I have used the router/Zonelarm combo for a few years and never had a problem. Here are two sites that can probe your computer and show you any leaks/problems.



http://www.dslreports.com/scan



and



http://www.grc.com/

click on the "Sheilds Up" icon



Also, www.dslreports.com is a good website for information, there are forums just like the TDR(except they are nuts about computers) that cover just about anything computer related.



Sam

 

[Nordby]

The router firewall is great - but not enough.



Log into your router with your pc by putting bringing up a web browser and typing in:

http://192.xxx.xxx.x where all those xx's are the ip-address of the router, supplied in your dlink documentation.



Click the security tab, and make sure you are as tight as possible and still have your browser and email work. Pretty much only allow HTTP and HTTPS. Do not allow telnet, ftp, or any incoming traffic. (just check or uncheck the boxes).



Change the admin username and password (at least the password). This keeps someone from driving by your house and logging into your wireless and changing the settings. Enable 128 bit encyrption on your router and your wireless client. This keeps someone from sniffing your wireless traffic and looking at what you send.



As for the firewall, as someone else mentioned, it does not prevent you from downloading something with a virus or clicking on something that brings spyware in. It will help prevent the spyware or virus from using anything but http calling out of your computer. Add a Norton or Macafee pop-up blocker and virus alert, and their software firewall as well.



With a wireless router - USA today did an experiment and saw 34 attempts to break in within 5 minutes. At Sun micro, we saw 200 attempts within 12 minutes of turning our system up from automated spyware/virus probers trying to find unprotected equipment. So, just turning your machine off or disconnecting between use will not work.



I'll try to help with some of this if I can, pm or email me, jon

 

[R-N-R]

A router creates a layer of protection because it basically provides you with a network. Your computer communicates with the router and the router communicates with the internet. Hackers first have to connect with your router, hack though it, then connect with your computer. Unfortunately, many people take the router out of the box, plug it in and assume they are protected. Changing the routers address and the admin password is a good start, also make sure your peer-to-peer is turned off. Nordby gave you some excellent configuration suggestions. I do not think the router replaces a firewall by any stretch. I also do not think that a firewall bundled into a router is as good as firewall specific software. I only recommend a router when connecting multiple computers to the internet or each other. I definately recommend firewall software, I prefer Norton Internet Security which includes firewall, anti-virus, and spam protection. I also recommend SpySweeper from WebRoot for total protection. The only problem with all of this is that it still has to be configured correctly in order to provide the best balance of protection and allowing enjoyable internet usage.



Just my $0. 02