How to Turn Broadband On/Off via software

[PT]

I've frequently read that broadband internet users are at special risk for
being hacked, since the internet connection is always open.

I can always physically unplug my computer from the external DSL mopdem when
I'm not using the internet. However, it seems to me that there should be an
easy way through the Windows XP network software to cut off the connection,
essentially by clicking.

Are there any shareware or commercial programs that would do this
conveniently?

Alternatively, there should be a DOS type command that can be written as a
batch file or pair of files to do this from a pair of icons on the desktop.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[ra]

You can make a shortcut to the network connection on the desktop to enable
it then you can right click on the network icon in the tray and disable the
connection.

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

If you at least enabled XP's built-in Firewall, you would not
have this concern. A much better solution is to install a
first-rate internet security solution.

Norton Internet Security 2004
http://www.symantec.com/sabu/nis/nis_pe/

-- Includes Norton AntiVirus 2004
-- Includes Norton Personal Firewall
-- Includes prevention of annoying web pop-ups
-- Includes Parental Controls
-- All in one, easy-to-install package

Be Smart! Protect your PC!

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

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| I've frequently read that broadband internet users are at special risk for
| being hacked, since the internet connection is always open.
|
| I can always physically unplug my computer from the external DSL mopdem when
| I'm not using the internet. However, it seems to me that there should be an
| easy way through the Windows XP network software to cut off the connection,
| essentially by clicking.
|
| Are there any shareware or commercial programs that would do this
| conveniently?
|
| Alternatively, there should be a DOS type command that can be written as a
| batch file or pair of files to do this from a pair of icons on the desktop.
|
| Does anyone have any suggestions?
|
| --
| PT

 

[purplehaz]

Right click your connection in my network places, network connections and
choose disable.
But...... imho, as long as you have a good firewall running and anti-virus
running 24/7/365 there is no reason to disconnect the broadband connection.
My computers, all on broadband cable, are turned on, logged in, and
connected 24/7/365. Trust me, most hackers could care less about Joe Schmoes
home computer. They hack things that are worth while and usually its just to
make a statement, or shut the computer/site down, not to steal anything.

 

[andre]

Trust me, most hackers could care less about Joe Schmoes
I have one word for ya "ZOMBIES"

 

[andre]

Should not have been so cryptic.

Yes - a good firewall and virus checker should protect you.

A major reason for hackers to take over Joe Schmooze's machine is to use it
to launch attacks against significant targets, use it as free web storage or
to send spam. But abstinence is not require protection is.

$0.02 worth

 

[Bob Wilcox]

I've frequently read that broadband internet users are at special risk for
being hacked, since the internet connection is always open.

I can always physically unplug my computer from the external DSL mopdem when
I'm not using the internet. However, it seems to me that there should be an
easy way through the Windows XP network software to cut off the connection,
essentially by clicking.

Are there any shareware or commercial programs that would do this
conveniently?

Alternatively, there should be a DOS type command that can be written as a
batch file or pair of files to do this from a pair of icons on the desktop.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

You could install ZoneAlarm and click the Stop button to disable all
Internet Activity.

http://www.zonelabs.com/

 

[Dave]

Yes, I use NIS 2004 and like the Block Traffic feature. I right click on
the NIS icon in the taskbar and select Block Traffic. That stops
everything (in and out) while I'm away. Then I reverse when I want to use
the internet again.

 

[Chuck]

I have one word for ya "ZOMBIES"

And a second word, "Blaster". You can be infected in seconds. If you
had connected to the internet simply to download the Blaster proofing
update from Microsoft, you could be infected long before the update
finished downloading.

Get a firewall or NAT router, for everybody's benefit.
Chuck
Paranoia comes from experience - and is not necessarily a bad thing.

 

[cquirke (MVP Win9x)]

On Thu, 29 Jan 2004 16:24:51 -0500, "Bob Wilcox"

You could install ZoneAlarm and click the Stop button to disable all
Internet Activity.

Same here with Kerio; another good free 3rd-party firewall.

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