a question on old boxes
1 May 2006 23:51:49 UTC
Topic 191160
(moderation:
I found an old pc in my garage, I had forgotten I had replaced. It had Norton security last with an expired subscription in 2002.
If I put this machine on my local internet n to crunch numbers, is there any need to update the security? I was planning to erase the email program and only use the browser to manage boinc.
a question on old boxes
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E@H doesn't require any firewall. If you can load XP the built in fire wall should be enough to protect you.
Assuming it's a preXP
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Assuming it's a preXP machine, install zone alarm as a firewall. It's free, it works, and is reasonably easy to use. the first time an up asks to connect to the net, a popup appears, you click yes/no. WIth no input the connection's denied.
By 'local internet' do you
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By 'local internet' do you mean a LAN (local network) behind a router?
If so, the router - hardware - firewall should be enough to protect you, provided you never go near any email.
I would suggest to use kerio
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I would suggest to use kerio personal firewall 2.1.5, which is also free.
Although it is from 2002, I am using it for years without any problems. It uses less resources than zonealarm or norton, which makes it suitable for older pcs.
RE: I would suggest to use
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Hi all!
You do not need a firewall! It is enough to turn off all ports which are listening to the outside world. If you have a single machine and no private network, I suggest to go to http://www.dingens.org/index.html.en download that tool, turn off all those services which listen to the outside world, reboot the box and you are safe!
Blame Microsoft, that the default installation listens on a lot of ports. Blame them that this is one of the major ways to infect their operating system.
When you install a firewall, then you add another program which may have a defect, and firewalls are written by humans, so they have bugs by default. And it is proven, that you can infect a box with a firewall. Just turn off those services. It is enough and it is at least as safe.
RE: By 'local internet' do
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This was the info I I was hunting. It is LAN and it is behind a router. I felt I didn't need a security on this old box, but I didn't KNOW if I needed spend the $35.00 on it. Thanks tons.
to be sure, run shields
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to be sure, run shields up.
https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2
procede
all service ports. IF you don't have anything open, your router's providing an adequate firewall.
RE: to be sure, run shields
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Thanks folks. I do have it behind a router and leave nothing but boinc running.