Broadband and Firewalls

Hi all,

I am glad to say, that I will be joining the "broadband" community, or at least the South African version of broadband

Its going to take 21 days to install...

I would like to know, what kind of security measures need to be taken, firewalls etc.

I have AVG Free edition as my virus scanner, but no firewall as yet.

Any suggestions?
Thanx guys
noFriends

Get an external dsl/cable router is my recommendation, even if you're not planning to share the connection. This gives you a basic hardware firewall outside your windows box.

Then, keep your windows updates current. Run a software firewall. Have up-to-date antivirus. Don't download free programs off the Internet unless you are sure they don't have unexpected baggage. Have at least one up-to-date anti-spyware program.

Thanx Doug!

I am getting a external router, and will install a firewall as well.
Is the windows xp pro one good enough?

The XP SP2 firewall is ok. It doesn't alert you to outbound suspicious traffic like other software firewalls do though. I use it on some computers as long as they are behind a router firewall I don't worry.

There are some pricey hardware firewalls (Cisco for one) that give you extreme control over everything, but personally I believe they are overkill for a home user.

i agree with hardware firewalls being a bit over the top for a home user.

i reccomend ZoneAlarm as a firewall. its free , and efficient. you can get it here

ZoneAlarm