Resources

If you connect to the Internet with DSL or cable then your workstations are exposed to the Internet.  Even with file and printer sharing turned off a determined cracker can wreak havoc with your equipment.  

Security issues

• Consider purchasing a firewall such as Norton Internet Security, which is available in retail stores. You can also download Zone Alarm and Black Ice.

• Visit Steve Gibson's Website to learn more about Internet security or to let his server try to "crack" your computer. You can find some surprising information about your privacy, or lack thereof, on the Internet. Steve's site has reviews of a number of different routers for Internet sharing.

Gateways and routers

• You can find Gateway software at www.Tucows.Com or www.ZDnet.com. Sygate and WinProxy are two popular programs.

• Go to the LinkSys Website for more information about their routers. If you like what you see you can Order one right here! When the new window opens select Computers / Hardware / Network & Protection. You can also search for BEFSR41.

Documenting your network

You should document your network settings in case you need to update your gateway software or your router firmware or in case you need to revert to a single PC installation for troubleshooting. Your router may have a summary or status page that lists all of its settings. Your gateway software may also have a summary page.

• You may print your router's setup pages from your Web browser.

• You may capture any screen and paste it into a word processor or graphics program. Press Control-Print Screen to save the current screen to the clipboard. Press Shift-Insert to paste it into a document.

Other resources

• Visit our Click Picks Home & Family and Technical sections for more Internet resources. 

• Find your current IP address on the Internet. Click on the button and it will be displayed.

• Check your TCP/IP settings at DSL Reports. Dr. Ping will test your IP settings. There are other tweaks and tests as well.

• Your router should have the latest firmware, which you can download from the manufacturer's Website. Be sure you know how to find that site. Note all of your settings will probably be lost so be certain you know how to restore them.

Congratulations!

You are now a networking "expert", at least on your own network, and sharing your Internet connection.  You probably wondered how you have managed all this time without a high speed, shared connection.  If all of this information was helpful to you please contact us and let us know. 

 

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