Eons: View message "IM and Routers " in Computers Technology and Internet Solutions Center Group

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IM and Routers

I have a Toshiba laptop (4 yrs old, 2.80 GHz, 40 GBHDD, 512 MB DDR) that I have never connected to the internet--- just use it for work around the home and powerpoint presentations. I am now planning on connecting it to the internet and was planning on getting a wireless router to hook to the desktop I use for the internet. I know I will have a lot of downloads and things to set up to get security up to date but I have a question about security and IM

I have searched and read on these forums about the 'open port' and security problem issues when using services like Yahoo Messenger. My question is if I use a wireless router does that solve the problem of the open port? Maybe I am not understanding the issue with open ports with Messenger but I do need to use it to connect with people in another country. ( BTY, I use Skype, but I have several people that I need to talk with that only want to use Yahoo Messenger.) Is the open port issue a problem with Skype too. I always completely shut down Skype when I am not using it --- does that take care of the problem?

I have searched the forums but can't really find an answer to this so hope someone can help me understand.
Kare

posted by LoveGuate

Every program and communication service uses a specific port or number of ports. The purpose of a firewall is to allow or block ports to protect you. There is a firewall in your router and on your PC (most likely).

Normally the default settings will make most programs work correctly. On a rare occasion you will need to open a port. Most are closed by default, except the ports associated with common services like Http, FTP, email, etc.

Many of todays Antivirus suites contain security for port related attacks so I wouldn't be too worried about someone using the Skype or IM ports. Shutting down Skype shouldn't be necessary.

You can go to www.grc.com and run shields up to test your PC port security.

posted by Fun1chicago
3 months ago

Fun
Thanks so much for the explanation! I had just read several posts that it wasn't a good idea using IM.

I will give it a try!
Kare

posted by LoveGuate
3 months ago

I stand on the premise that IM, if used, should be closed down after use. More important to you is going wireless. Be sure to secure your wireless connection or the whole neighborhood may be using your internet connection to access the web. Worse yet, you are a ready-made target for a driveby hacker.

If you go cable, you are wired--at least at the point of entry. If you want to network another computer in a different room and can run a cable unobtrusively, I'd go that way. Otherwise, you go wireless. BTW, there are NO bragging rights being a wireless user.

Sid

posted by OldGuy46
3 months ago

Sid,
I don't think my original post was very clear. I have a desktop connected to the internet by DSL with phone company. We live so far out in the country that our nearest neighbors are about 1/2 mile away and we also have a 1/4 mile driveway. Can't go wireless totally --- too far out in the boonies!

But I want to hook up my laptop and use a wireless router to connect it to the desktop and then be able to use Yaho messenger at times on either machine.

Does this clarify what I have going on? I just couldn't understand the problem with the open port and probably will shut down after use.

appreciate all advice,
Kare

posted by LoveGuate
3 months ago

Coool, LoveGuate. Just be sure you secure your wireless network--the router setup wizard will prompt you to do so.

Sid

posted by OldGuy46
3 months ago