How do I configure my computer to make it as secure as possible for new wireless dsl internet access w/ router?

I am concerned w/ 1) making sure someone doesn't "steal" my wireless (not only because it is stealing, but because it could degrade my signal, as I undertand it..)2) making sure someone cannot use my wireless internet as a conduit to access/hack into my computer and get financial info etc. (Is this really possible?)It is my understanding that you cannot make it **TOTALLY** secure, but just harder. So, I would appreciate tips, links etc on how to make it as challenging as possible. Thanks in advance :) Asked by Tulip_is_gone 41 months ago Similar questions: configure computer make secure wireless dsl internet access router Computers > Hardware > Desktops & Laptops.

Similar questions: configure computer make secure wireless dsl internet access router.

Several things you can do 1) On the router, make sure you have set DHCP to ON. That way the router does something called NAT (Name-Address translation) which makes it tricky for anyone to get to you, since it doesn't know your specific identifying IP internet address. 2) On most routers there is a "Set Firewall" setting - allow it to be ON.

Only allow ports 23,25,110, and 80 access. (If you're a real hot shot computer person, you may need to open more ports, but these are the most common ones. 3) On most routers, you can enforce a MAC Address restricition, which means that only PCs (laptops or desktops) where the MAC address is known can use the router.

This takes a bit of effort to set up, but it makes you incredibly secure. How to find a MAC address: go to start/run type in COMMAND so you are at a command prompt. Type IPCONFIG/ALL .

Copy the string of letters next to where it says MAC address. It will look like 00 0f 84 a1 ee b0. 4) When you are setting up DHCP, it will ask you how many connections to allow.

Set it for the number of computers you have in the house. Then when you are connected, no one else can get in. And DHCP will let you stay connected constantly.5) On the wireless settings, makes sure you use 128-bit WEP, with a non-broadcast SSID.

Non broadcast means that no one else knows you have a wireless router unless YOU tell them it exists. 128-bit WEP is highly encrypted communications. A person has to know a 26-letter secret password to let them into your URL1 make the 26-letter password as wierd as possible.

6) Most routers come with an internal management password of 'admin'. Change that. First thing you do, or everything else is a waste of time.

If you follow these instructions, you will be 99.999999% protected. And they're easy..

1 Many years ago...the serving companies realized wireless was the new wave of the future by users...Billions would be needed to build the system..Unless they made the users want wireless and thus the users built the system..home by home and business by business...until the Wireless network is practically everywhere now..a roving computer wireless ties to your wireless system and thus to the internet..but not to your COMPUTING SYSTEM ITSLELF...in other words..They cannot enter your hard drives even though they are using your wireless connection to the internet as they rove. Can you be hacked? By a computer expert the answer is honestly yes...by the normal roamer passing by using the wireless connection...no!

Because of what I know myself...I will not ever go wireless: For there is another type of person out there with new equipment picking the data stream signal...what they are doing is not illegal..for all radio beams are open publically...That is why for better but not perfect security..I will never go wireless with my persoal information...enough problems exist in a more secure direct system which is what the internet is...Moreover, I will not aid the main company servers to build a wireless network on my Hard Earnings...My Opinion Only!Blessings.........Annlee .

Many years ago...the serving companies realized wireless was the new wave of the future by users...Billions would be needed to build the system..Unless they made the users want wireless and thus the users built the system..home by home and business by business...until the Wireless network is practically everywhere now..a roving computer wireless ties to your wireless system and thus to the internet..but not to your COMPUTING SYSTEM ITSLELF...in other words..They cannot enter your hard drives even though they are using your wireless connection to the internet as they rove. Can you be hacked? By a computer expert the answer is honestly yes...by the normal roamer passing by using the wireless connection...no!

Because of what I know myself...I will not ever go wireless: For there is another type of person out there with new equipment picking the data stream signal...what they are doing is not illegal..for all radio beams are open publically...That is why for better but not perfect security..I will never go wireless with my persoal information...enough problems exist in a more secure direct system which is what the internet is...Moreover, I will not aid the main company servers to build a wireless network on my Hard Earnings...My Opinion Only!Blessings.........Annlee.

2 Annlee. Thanks for your thoughts. They are appreciated.....however, I believe that if someone is highly motivated and capable, there is only so much one can do to completely insulate themeselves.

I freaked out about the idea of banking online and paying bills online even.....until I realized that when I hand write a check......someone has to enter the data......one more person looking at my bank routing numbers in combo w/ my credit card number, SS#, address, etc. ......so now online banking and bill pay seems like a whole lot better idea.ANYWAY.....my point is, we all have to do what we are comfortable w/......just like I lock my doors to my home to make it more difficult for entry, I don't delude myself into believing that it is completely burglar proof. Same w/ wireless internet. I just want to make the sucker down the street look more appealing for a hack attack than me.....:) .

Annlee. Thanks for your thoughts. They are appreciated.....however, I believe that if someone is highly motivated and capable, there is only so much one can do to completely insulate themeselves.

I freaked out about the idea of banking online and paying bills online even.....until I realized that when I hand write a check......someone has to enter the data......one more person looking at my bank routing numbers in combo w/ my credit card number, SS#, address, etc. ......so now online banking and bill pay seems like a whole lot better idea.ANYWAY.....my point is, we all have to do what we are comfortable w/......just like I lock my doors to my home to make it more difficult for entry, I don't delude myself into believing that it is completely burglar proof. Same w/ wireless internet. I just want to make the sucker down the street look more appealing for a hack attack than me.....:).

3 I was just able to unearth this 18 month old Q (I couldn't find it earlier---). More info for those who are interested:askville.amazon.com/wireless-router-comp... .

I was just able to unearth this 18 month old Q (I couldn't find it earlier---). More info for those who are interested:askville.amazon.com/wireless-router-comp....

My windows computer says it can't connect to the internet, it is connected to a dsl box and we even have a router too. " "Ok so I have cable internet,its a wired modem. I bought a wireless router but our second computer just won't connect?" "How do you get a QWEST DSL modem to talk to a DLINK wireless router?

" "If I connect my pc to a wireless router so my daughter can use her laptop to access internet, is my pc now on wireless? " "I have one desktop PC that I would like to make wireless. Can I go wireless on just one computer, or do I need a router?

" "my computer connects to my wireless router but not to the internet, why? " "I have dialup internet access and I want to get a laptop PC, and a wireless modem. How can I make that work?

" "why do my two laptops pick up my wireless but not my home computer? " "wireless router/DSL question" "I'm looking at Cricket Wireless access to the internet. Can I connect this to a router for multiple computers?

My windows computer says it can't connect to the internet, it is connected to a dsl box and we even have a router too.

Ok so I have cable internet,its a wired modem. I bought a wireless router but our second computer just won't connect?

I have one desktop PC that I would like to make wireless. Can I go wireless on just one computer, or do I need a router?

I have dialup internet access and I want to get a laptop PC, and a wireless modem. How can I make that work?

I'm looking at Cricket Wireless access to the internet. Can I connect this to a router for multiple computers?

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.