I'm often asked how readers can post through a firewall like Norton. I don't run a software firewall, since we have a hardware firewall here, so I don't have an answer.

And those asking can't post. So I thought I'd ask those of you who've figured it out to share the secret. Thanks!

David,

I have the Norton Firewall. It can be easily disabled for the brief time you need to post to the forum. As a note, you can prepare the post and edit it while the firewall is active.

Jim Cavanaugh

Jim,
My solution has been identical to yours using Norton. The only thing I can't do with the firewall active is actually submit. A simple right click on the system tray icon followed by another click in the pop-up menu and confirmation window disables the firewall just long enough to click the submit button. After that, the same procedure as easily enables the firewall again. It is really quick and easier than it sounds and, I hope, the short period of downtime doesn't significantly compromise security. A hardware firewall, as David described, would probably be better but I'm not sure what is required for that?

Weldon,

If you're on a DSL or cable modem, you can simply buy an inexpensive router like the SMC 7004V that will somewhat isolate you from the web as it creates an internal IP. It's not fool proof but it will give you a reasonable amount of isolation. No one can ping your computer as either the dynamic or static IP is held in the router.

The cost is about 40.00 at any of the big computer stores. It's a breeze to setup and as with the SMC, it will auto configure. It also has the capabilities of creating an intenal firewall that you can set up to allow only certain "ports" to have access.

I've been using them for years and find them to be very reliable and secure.

I'll second what Ron says about using a router. I've been using a Netgear Web Safe Router for years and feel reasonably secure. XP also has an internal firewall that I have enabled and it doesn't cause the posting problems that you get with Norton type software. (It also doesn't do quite the same job that Norton does.)
Jim

Thanks for the info. I'm still in the dark ages with dial-up. Does anyone know if a network hub can accomplish the same thing with a dial-up modem?

I'm using ZoneAlarm Pro and don't have any problems with posting to the forum. The first time I accessed the forum ZoneAlarm asked if it should allow access, I said Yes and have never had a problem since. I am on ISDN dial-up.

Peter

Hi David, I use the Zone Alarm software firewall and have had no problems sending through the firewall. It will let thru to the IP address that you have selected. At the same time it will block any attempts to enter from the net. It is a free software and is pretty well regarded. Pete

Yep go to the free Zone alarm is the answer to thier need. if you want a bit more zone alarm pro is a lot cheaper and less complicated than a router et al.

I have responsibility for an Data centre with a large number of servers and complex anti-virus scanning and firewalling including routers harware firewalls etc etc

At home I use Zone alarm.

The bottom line is a firewall DOESNOT prevent access to your systems. It mearly stops some of probes and attacks.

Whilst Im on flow the bottom line is that you are more at risk if you have not kept your system patched with the latest security patch's from Microsoft (if you run windows) that you are by using a "free" firewall such as Zone alarm.

Ofcourse for any business type activity where security is paramount a firewall such as those made by Watchguard are to be highly recommended together with exstensive anti-virus scanning.

Off the high horse now

Regards

Ok, I just have to jump in here since I've been working with networks & security for 15 years professionally (yes, in addition to photography ).

There are several solutions to help out. I have a bit more information at: http://tczone.com/cc/faq/virus_hacker_FAQ.htm But there are two issues here. First, dialup vs. broadband (DSL/ Cable). You need to run virus protection regardless. With broadband however, you need to be sure you're running a firewall of some sort. If you only have one system, you could look at software products like ZoneAlarm. If you're really concerned or run multiple systems, then you really should use a hardware-based firewall. Now, ideally, that means a product from Watchguard, Netscreen or SonicWALL. But, there are solutions that are less expensive. They come from vendors like Netgear & Linksys.

I know this is VERY general information, but honestly, it really comes down to your specific situation on which product/ solution to use. If you have a specific situation you would like to discuss that may not be appropriate for this forum, you can contact me directly. Just make sure you identify yourself as from nikondigital.org so I don't mistake you as a potential customer lead.

~Tim
crawford@tczone.com