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**Sasq** · 4 February 2003, 05:22

If you can change your hardware on order, get a modem/router with firewall built in, also I'd recomend getting a 10baseT style modem. saves lots of headaches later

Dan

**GNEP** · 4 February 2003, 05:35

Not an option I'm afraid Sasq - also too expensive (on a v. tight budget here)... so will have to go software only.

Also note that there will only ever be the one computer hooked up - I'm not allowed any more

- even had the third monitor banned from everyday use recently by the girl! (to be fair to her, it was dominating our 1-bed flat a bit...)

**Gurm** · 4 February 2003, 06:05

Ok, software will have to do.

I recommend using Zone Alarm, just because it's easy to configure nowadays - and easy to get rid of when you DO upgrade to a hardware firewall (and you will).

Also, I concur with Sasq - get the 10bt modem. A lan card is cheap now (you can get 'em for $5 here in the states) and you'll be glad you didn't get the USB one.

Otherwise, the only thing you need to know or look out for is...

Well, TWO things.

1. If you did any networking tweaks for dialup (MTU, etc. etc.) you'll need to UNDO them.

2. Your modem is one of three kinds.

a. Hands you a real IP address.
b. Hands you a fake IP address.
c. Hands you no IP address at all.

In case A, you need a software firewall, of course.

In case B, you don't. If you plug in and the modem gives you 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x, you're good as gold - the modem is a firewall and router. HUZZAH!

In case C, you'll need PPPoE software. I recommend RASPPPoE, it's the best and most powerful. The homepage is at:

http://user.cs.tu-berlin.de/~normanb/

Although if your ISP has no other issues you can probably just use the XP built-in... are you using XP?

- Gurm

**ayoub_ibrahim** · 4 February 2003, 06:05

hope you didn't get an alcatel speedtouch aka the frog, usb modem.
this is especially so if you have a via chipset m/board.
the fujitsu FDX310 is a far better usb modem solution.

**GNEP** · 4 February 2003, 07:03

Nope - not the alcatel one. That was the option offered if I got h/w through the ISP (which I avoided).

I am using win 2k, and the chipset is SiS 745 (yup - another on the MSI 745 Ultra board here...).

I actually have a LAN card sitting around somewhere, and about 10m of crossover cable - so I will look at switching the order now.

**GNEP** · 4 February 2003, 07:18

OK - just checked. I am sticking with the USB modem as changing to an ethernet card will more than double the price (I have other stuff in the same order from that supplier so don't want to switch suppliers). I guess I will see exactly what I've got when it all arrives - I guess running for a day or so with no firewall etc will be OK to give me a chance to get it all up and running... can always reinstall if everything mucks up... because I am gonna make damned sure as always everything vital is backed up before any changes are made.

**Ribbit** · 4 February 2003, 07:22

/me hijacks thread for a minute...

My sister's on ADSL. They gave her an Intel USB modem, but we got her a Netgear DG814. She uses the Netgear most of the time because it has a built-in firewall, but I think the terms-of-service actually forbid her from using anything other than the Intel.

The problem is, sometimes the Netgear won't connect, but the Intel will. You can swap them around all you like, and still the Netgear doesn't connect and the Intel does. It wouldn't surprise me if this was done deliberately by her ISP, but does anyone know how they could tell? I've changed the MAC address of the Netgear to match the Intel, and this has still happened since (though only once).

Last time I saw her I found a worm on her computer which I'm pretty certain could only have got in while she was using the Intel, so I'd really like to solve this.

**Gurm** · 4 February 2003, 07:58

GNEP:

Not an ethernet CARD. A modem with an ethernet plug on the back. Ought to be EXACTLY the same price.

Ribbit:

They might be able to tell, but more than likely it's running PPPoE or something and the Netgear isn't set 100% right.

- Gurm

**GNEP** · 4 February 2003, 08:13

Gurm - thanks for all the help. I meant "ethernet adsl modem" when I said "ethernet card". Sorry for the confusion. Just been a long week (and it's only tuesday...).

Still, having said that, it looks like my order has now been dispatched, so I will see how it goes... can always send it back if everything goes titsup.

It looks like plain vanilla Zone Alarm is a free download from http://www.zonelabs.com/store/conten...lm_details.jsp - correct?

**Gurm** · 4 February 2003, 08:30

Ayup. I recommend "acquiring" the pro version though. I don't know if the free version lets you turn off outbound port monitoring, the worst invention since the high colonic.

- Gurm

**GNEP** · 4 February 2003, 08:31

Well, when I'm up and running, I am sure that my ability to "acquire" such things will go up, ooh, about 10-fold!

**Gurm** · 4 February 2003, 08:39

LOL.

Yeah well.

I used to recommend Black Ice. It has the least impact on your surfing habits, while keeping you as safe as Zone Alarm.

Sadly, in the past year it has changed hands a number of times. Their technical support simply ISN'T, and their official FAQ's have an item like this:

"Q. Sometimes my network just stops working when I have Black Ice installed. What can I do?

A. Uninstall Black Ice and reinstall it. We don't know why this happens, but uninstall/reinstall fixes it."

"Q. How do I uninstall Black Ice?

A. Download the special Black Ice Uninstaller from our site. The uninstaller included with the software does not work."

JESUS H. CHRIST!

At least Zone Alarm will uninstall.

- Gurm

**Nowhere** · 4 February 2003, 08:47

Outpost Firewall from Agnitum is also ok. small, lightweight and free...

**Taz** · 4 February 2003, 10:02

You can get a Dlink ADSL router for £78.71 from Insight

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About to go broadband - tips please!

About to go broadband - tips please!

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