security

[Gary]

I have had a lot of trouble in the past, with routers
crapping out on me. I have tried several in the past
month, and have gotten an InexQ to work , so I can have
two computers on a cable internet. I just recently went
into my router config and looked at my log file. There are
at least 25 logs where someone has tried to illegally
access my computer. I have the router firewall
enabled...with a password..and my xp firewalls
enabled..and also have a password on my computer. What
more can I do to protect myself from people trying to get
into my computer?
I believe all the past problems I have had with routers
are security related. Do you agree? what can I do?
Oh...i have also installed, and run Ad Alert on a regular
basis.
Can someone STILL access my computer after all this?
Please help
Gary

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

Your router firewall is your first line of defense. The XP's firewall, which behind a reputable, reliable hardware firewall shouldn't be necessary is your second. As long as you're careful about downloading from the Internet (trojans/spyware/etc.) then you're about as secure as you can get. Make sure you have the latest security patches from Microsoft installed, and if you're worried about outbound traffic, look into 3rd party firewall software, such as Zone Alarm.