[AT] OT virus warning

[Steve W.]

Well in simple terms you connect the router up between the modem and the 
  NIC in your computer. The modem sees the router as a separate computer 
You set up the router with an IP address. The router and the modem then 
talk between themselves using a different protocol than your computer. 
It acts like a translator and sits there telling both sides what the 
other said. However it doesn't allow direct communication. This way 
outsiders don't see your computer at all. It filters the information and 
keeps the crud out. BUT many hardware firewalls are one way. They stop 
things coming into you network but assume that data coming out is all 
safe. This is OK as long as you don't get hit with a bogus file or virus 
that tries to talk back. Then you have problems. So you run a hardware 
firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware.

Lew Best wrote:
> I've heard this but never found anyone that could explain how it works
> (I have wireless that hooks the modem up thru a nic).  Can you explain
> it in general "computer dummy understandable" terms?  I know a router
> splits a signal between multiple computers but how does it "stop
> anything" or maybe I should say "know what to stop & what to let thru"?
> 
> Lew Best near Waco, TX
>  
> 
> -----Original Message-----
>  
> Another thing for you. Your on a cable modem IIRC. Go and buy a cheap 
> router and set it up. That will give you a hardware firewall that will 
> shut down most crud before it can get to you.
> 
>  
> 

> 
> 

-- 
Steve W.
Near Cooperstown, New York