AliceZ
join:2007-06-24
Jackson Heights, NY
| Vista Premium sp1
We have just received a new notebook with Vista Premium sp1 installed. Is the Windows Firewall sufficient to protect incoming/outgoing information?
Some people have told us Yes; others have said No.
We are senior citizens and very unfamiliar with computers and firewalls, etc.
If the Windows (Vista) Firewall is not sufficient, is there a FREE firewall that someone could suggest to use as a substitute firewall (on our Vista)? One that would be easy to install and configure, as we don't know anything about firewalls, etc.
Thanks for any assistance.
Alice
We are using Verizon DSL that is connected to our desktop which has WinXP.
We are using modem/router and the notebook is connected wirelessly (I believe
that is what it is called) to it. |
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SoonerAl
Old Enough To Know Better
Premium,MVM
join:2002-07-23
Norman, OK
|  Well in my opinion the built-in Vista Windows Firewall will do the job. My wife and I are also seniors and I only run the Windows Firewall on her wireless XP Pro desktop or my wired/wireless Vista Ultimate laptop (when I run Vista versus Ubuntu LINUX) and never have had a problem. Of course it comes down to your web usage habits. If you don't download stuff from suspect sites, are careful who you let use your PC (ie. grandkids) and what they do, etc...etc...then I think your safe.
We also run Windows Defender and keep our machines fully patched. We are also behind a broadband router here at home with Cox HSI (cable ISP) or in our vacation condo where we have AT&T DSL.
How do you have your wireless network setup? Here are some general wireless security guidelines that you may be interested in...
»theillustratednetwork.mvps.org/L···ity.html
The BBR Wireless Security forum...
»Wireless Security
Others, I am sure, will have different opinions on this subject.
Good luck...
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"When all else fails, read the instructions..."
MS-MVP Windows – Desktop User Experience |
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AliceZ
join:2007-06-24
Jackson Heights, NY
| Thanks.
Re your "How do you have your wireless network setup? Here are some general wireless security guidelines that you may be interested in..."
I mentioned in my original post the following and wonder if that is what you were referring to:
We are using Verizon DSL that is connected to our desktop (which has WinXP).
We are using modem/router and the notebook is connected wirelessly (I believe that is what it is called) to it. |
|
SoonerAl
Old Enough To Know Better
Premium,MVM
join:2002-07-23
Norman, OK
| said by AliceZ  :Thanks. Re your "How do you have your wireless network setup? Here are some general wireless security guidelines that you may be interested in..." I mentioned in my original post the following and wonder if that is what you were referring to: We are using Verizon DSL that is connected to our desktop (which has WinXP). We are using modem/router and the notebook is connected wirelessly (I believe that is what it is called) to it. What I meant was...
What type of wireless security are you now using, ie. WPA2/WPA/WEP or nothing?
If your using WPA2/WPA are you using a random encryption key longer than 25-characters for example?
If your using WEP you should move to WPA2/WPA, ie. whatever is supported by both the wireless access point/router and your notebook.
Questions like those...
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"When all else fails, read the instructions..."
MS-MVP Windows – Desktop User Experience |
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AliceZ
join:2007-06-24
Jackson Heights, NY | As far as I can see it is WEP and 10 digits in the key. |
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Its a Secret
Rabidly yours
Premium
join:2008-02-23
Kelowna, BC
 ·Shaw
| Use WPA2 (it's backwards compatible to WPA) and use a 63 character pass phrase to secure your network. GRC has a 63 character hex generator here: »https://www.grc.com/passwords.htm
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"In the future, that which is not mandatory will be illegal" |
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