Firewalls and Networks

[Geoffrey Baker]

Hi
I am new to networking but have two pc's running xp pro and an iMac with OS
X which I would like to network in home enviroment. Have got the two pc's to
talk to each other without too much of a problem and am intending to use the
iMac via airport card. shortly. I have a Belkin DSL wireless and cable
router to perform the magic. The real question is how do I protect my
computers from the hazards of the internet when I have to disable both xp
and norton firewalls to get the network running. I have had one machine
totally trashed before by some kind person which ended up with two knackered
drives and various other problems which cost both money and time so am
understandably nervous about running without protection. I believe the
belkin router has some rudimentary firewall but am not sure that I trust it.
Any advice or comments would be appreciated.
Cheers
Geoff

 

[Hristo]

Hi
I am new to networking but have two pc's running xp pro and an iMac with OS
X which I would like to network in home enviroment. Have got the two pc's to
talk to each other without too much of a problem and am intending to use the
iMac via airport card. shortly. I have a Belkin DSL wireless and cable
router to perform the magic. The real question is how do I protect my
computers from the hazards of the internet when I have to disable both xp
and norton firewalls to get the network running. I have had one machine
totally trashed before by some kind person which ended up with two knackered
drives and various other problems which cost both money and time so am
understandably nervous about running without protection. I believe the
belkin router has some rudimentary firewall but am not sure that I trust it.
Any advice or comments would be appreciated.
Cheers
Geoff

Just do not disable firewalls - only open the ports that you'll use. Also
your router should have firewall integrated - so use it.

Hristo
http://hristo.no-ip.info