Welcome to Matt’s Computer Medics newsletter.

In this issue:
Are you protected against hackers?
Firewalls are for the masses.
Which firewall is right for you?
The best computer for your money.

Are you protected against hackers?
In today’s computer world, almost every business has a high-speed Internet connection. If not properly protected, anyone that has the know-how can enter into your system and poke around in all your stuff. One way to prevent hackers from entering into your system is to install a firewall on your computer. A firewall is just as it sounds, a wall between you and the outside World Wide Web. All messages entering or leaving your computer pass through the firewall, which examines each message and blocks those that do not meet the specified security criteria.

Firewalls are for the masses.
There are many different types of firewalls to choose from. With everyone on the Internet, it is very important to have protect yourself. There are two basic kinds of firewalls: software and hardware. With many different configurations that computers are in, you will have to decide which is best for you. If you need help to determin what you need please call us.

Which firewall is right for you?
A software firewall
This firewall will be installed on one computer only. This is for people who are directly attached to the Internet and want protection.

ZoneAlarm (new ver 3.1), is free software firewall for personal use but in minimal, or crippled, form. ZoneLabs produces a product full blown product called ZoneAlarm plus. The plus version is $39.95 or less - well worth the cost. If you choose to install Zone Alarm please read all the documentation.
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/zap_za_grid.jsp
The advantages are:

• Inexpensive
• Stops most hacker when used correctly
• Works at the applicatioin level
• Ideal for one machine with many users
• Analuzes incoming and outgoing traffic
• Convenient for travelers, or mobile workers
• Easy to update

The Disadvantages are:

• Can be complicated and difficult for beginners
• Learning curve
• Dosent hide a PC from the outside world
• Can be intrusive. Meaning that it gets into all your programs.
• Affects PC Performance

Hardware Firewalls
This is for people, or companies, that have more than one computer that is attached to the Internet such, as DSL or Cable modem users. Many routers come with firewall already installed as a package deal along with many other features. This also blocks people from getting into your computer and the network. They are easy to hook up and once they are set up they just run. There is a little wizard that helps you through a few settings and presto, Internet for everyone.

The hardware firewall is an actual box the size of your cable, or DSL, modem. Linksys, SMC, D-link, Netgear and Cisco are the most popular manufactures of hardware firewalls. Two or more computers can be protected by a hardware firewall. Please check out our selection of hardware firewalls.

The advantages are:

• The easiest to setup and maintain
• Inexpensive
• Stops most hacker when used correctly
• Can protect multiple computers, as on a network
• Will not slow your computer
• Uses a dedicated, secure platform
• Hides PC’s from the outside world.
  (Shhh. This is great for sharing your Cable Modem connection from the cable company or phone company).

The Disadvantages are:

• Can be complicated for beginners
• Difficult to customize.
• Ignores outgoing traffic
• Creates a potential bandwidth bottleneck

  
  Please check out the hardware routers
  D-Link DI-604 Broadband Router $48.00                       More Info...
  D-Link DI-704P Router w/Print Server $68.00                    More Info...
  D-Link Air Plus™ Wireless Broadband Router $98.00       More Info...