The term "hardware firewall" always troubles me a little, because it is really no such thing, but seems to imply a degree of protection that really isn't there.

Routers are simply computers, usually running an embedded form of Linux, with a user interface provided via HTML to a browser.

Typically, they provide three functions: ADSL modem, router and local network hub, plus a wireless connection to the hub.

All firewalls are software, but the firewall inside a router has a specific useful property in that it performs Network Address Translation. In other words, the IP address of the computer on the "inside" isn't exposed to the Internet. This will protect the computer against direct hijack attempts. But it doesn't do anything to prevent viruses embedded in email attachments arriving at the target machine.

I would certainly avoid ever attaching a computer directly to the Internet via one of those ghastly USB ADSL modems.

Thanks MM. I was aware that a hardware implement is really dependent on embedded software. Anyway, it looks like we have to go down the firewall + router course as there don't seem to be any standalone firewalls. Using netgear at the moment. Any recommendations? (we need 1 x 16 port & 2 x 8 port i.e. 3 sites).

And don't go getting all excited about VPNs just yet. I'd like to walk before I can run ;-)

SC

First of all I totaly agree with MM's comments but would add that one of the reasons the standalone firewalls are generally more secure is that the only software they run is the firewall and therefore there is less chance of any other software compromising it. Also, it means that the security is concentrated in one place rather than being duplicated accross several PC's.

If you are happy with Netgear, then check out their Firewall/routers/Modems. I have used their ADSL units and they seem very good. I think they also do a cable version. Many of their routers will also support secure VPN but this may take some settin g up.

If you buy a Firewall/Modem then you should be able to plug your existing network hubs straight into them.

There are standalone firewalls availible, they will probably cost more but possibly offer more security depending on the cost. If you are reasonably sure what software and web pages your users are using then the entry level units should be OK (for now).

I'm a bit non geek after all !!

trying to install itunes for my ipod shuffle

it prepares to install then goes seconds later into

the window installer cannot be accessed ,this can occur if you are running your windows in safe mode or if windows installer is not correctly installed .Contact support for assitance .

Any useful (simple) hints to get round this without calling in a techy mate

Having now got the cable broadband I can just plug my laptop into the cable modem via the network cable and, hey presto, I'm connected to the network.

My Partner's laptop won't do this - seem to have all the same internet connection settings but we're struggling to find out why his won't connect and mine will. Both running Norton IS (mine out of date) Norton Firewall on, Windows Firewall off, checked 'dial whenever a network connection is not present' and so on. We're just trying to connect individually.

And, BTW in relation to my earlier query, have now got firewall routers on order - so I may be back about these!

SC, MAC locking?

Where do I find out about that? Just having a Google search. edit - does mac locking apply to wired machines as well? We are wired only, no wireless.

SC, sorry I didnt give much detail there, MAC locking can be for wired, its not normally used in this situation but as you have one PC thats works OK and the other does not it could be that your cable BB provider does something odd and only allows a singe address.

I dont think this is very likely however, but I have not seen any cable setups in the UK.

How are you PC's getting DHCP info? that could also be the problem. do an ipconfig from a dos box on both machines and see what it says. You can email the results to me if you want me to have a quick look.

hi guys,
is it right that you can use on of those USB Lan adapters instead of an airport card in a Mac? TIA.

Spaceman, thanks. I'll have to look on Friday now as I don't have any more time at this branch now. I understood most of what you wrote there :-)

(Don't bother to explain - I do know what you mean!)

Morning.

My PC keeps sounding like a plane increasing and decreasing thrusts.

Any idea why please?

Thanks.

KD.

KEAYDIAN

Assuming that the noise is coming from the PC and not the speakers, then it is probably either a fan (either CPU, PSU, Graphics Card or case) or the hard disk drive. If it's the latter then you could have imminent problems, backup all of your data, stop using it and change the disk.

Your best way forward is to open the case and see if you can detect where the noise is coming from. If you unplug the power lead to the hard disk (while the mains is unplugged) and then switch it on, the machine will not boot but any fan noise may still be noticeable.

KEAYDIAN:

Optimist is on the money with his method for detecting where the noise is coming from.

However, many computers use temperature-controlled fans which sound like a jet engine spooling up when they increase speed. If this is a new phenomenon (rather than you just didn't notice before), you may have clogged up air vents -- or is the computer near a radiator?

It's that time of year again where I start to clear out old rubbish from my PC.

I've noticed a lot of uninstall folders (approx 50+) in my Windows/windows directory. eg $NtUninstallKB123456$. Inside this folder are various bits n bob, particularily a spuninst folder, again with files inside. These have modified dates of 2004, 2005.

Are these simply leftover uninstallation bits of info that can be safely uninstalled please? Thanx in advance.

Those are folders enabling you to uninstall hotfixes etc. downloaded via Windows Update. The KB refers to a Knowledge Base article number. If you are happy with the updates it is safe just to delete the folders.

K,

In your rush to do your diagnostics do not, at any stage, unplug the power without doing a proper Windows close down.

I did precisely that when replacing a power unit earlier this year and crashed a perfectly sound hard disk.

TP

Cheers Kayak

Kayak, I had 40 of those folders all dated 3 Apr 06. Now currently resting in the recycle bin. Was that a date of a significant Windows Update?
............I know sometimes we expect too much of you :-)

O

He works better under pressure!
:-)

I disappear for a few hours when under too much pressure :-)

Don't think so optomistic, probably more that you downloaded a lot of updates on that day?