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Connecting Your Network to the Internet
Connecting your network to the Internet
To connect your network to the Internet,
you have more shopping choices than you have with almost any other aspect
of home computing. We've tried to help with the homework by explaining
some of the different network types (technologies), and by giving you a
few things to think about to find an Internet service that will meet your
needs. But when it comes to connecting your network to the Internet, there
are several things to keep in mind. We'll cover those things here, plus
some specific network and Internet setup information.
What every network owner should knowwww.tartoos.com
No matter what type of Internet connection
you have, and no matter which network technology you choose, security
should be the first concern for anyone who's connected to the Internet.
When you set up a network, consider the security of every possible access
point you could leave exposed to attacks by hackers.
External soft spots
When you design your network, make sure
there's a way to scan everything that comes in from the outside world.
Remembering this can save countless headaches. Firewalls—software
applications or hardware devices that help you create a manageable barrier
between your computer and the rest of the world—are your first line of
defense. The first thing your Internet connection touches must have a
firewall. If you connect to the Internet through a router, get a router
with a firewall. If you connect to the Internet through a computer and
share the Internet connection from there, make sure the computer has a
firewall. Even with this precaution, make sure you also have a firewall
active on every computer on your network. If you have a firewall other
than Windows Firewall, there is a chance that you could experience policy
management problems by having both that firewall and Windows Firewall
turned on at the same time. This can slow down your computer. But you
should always have one turned on.
www.tartoos.com
Installing firewall software and keeping it
up to date on every computer on your network can take time and seem
repetitious. But any computer that's not as protected as it can be is a
soft spot where hackers can get into your system. This is especially true
for any computer on your network that you use to go online through a
secondary connection—maybe an older computer with a dial-up modem that you
still use occasionally. Any hardware that connects to the outside world
has to be part of your regular routine of updating Windows.
Windows updateswww.tartoos.com
You can set up Windows so that it receives
Windows updates automatically, without requiring further action on your
part. For more information, see "Using Automatic Updates" in Windows Help.
If you aren't using Automatic
Updates, it's a good idea to check the Windows Update site every few days
for updates for your main Internet connection points, as well as any
secondary points (like the older computer with the dial-up modem). To
check your computer for any necessary updates, go to
the Windows Update Web site
and click Express Install (Recommended).
Another great resource for helping
you keep your computer secure is the
Protect your PC Web site.
It covers in more detail many of the concepts we discuss here.www.tartoos.com
Basics
Some very simple
principles can trip up even experienced professionals. Make sure you have
good solid connections everywhere. Don't stretch a wire to the point that
it can unplug itself due to simple tension. Make sure that every
connection "seats" completely—that every jack, socket, and other
connection point is solidly joined and simple wiggling won't unplug it.
Make sure you leave "play" in wires—furniture gets moved, people
accidentally kick wires, more wires join the tangle later. Make sure that
these future stresses won't bring your network tumbling down. If it's
"close, but it makes it," swap it out for a longer wire. Tie off some of
the slack with zip or twist ties—these are inexpensive and available at
any electronics supply or hardware store. Running lots of wires through
one area, and they're all the same color and gauge? Think about labeling
them for future maintenance. Think about using different colored wires,
too, if it's not too late or you don't mind swapping out some of the old
ones. Giving computers memorable names (Fred, Mom, Kitchen) can make
labeling wires easier. Finally, answer the most basic tech support
question yourself: Is the computer that connects to the Internet turned
on? It has to be, whenever
you want to
go online from anywhere else on the network.www.tartoos.com
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