Business Setup

[mbr]

I will be moving very soon and will be looking to complete my techology gaps (like power backups).

 

Anyone mind listing their goodies?

 

For example:

 

1. Computer Specs

2. Backup hardware

3. Power backups

4. Firewall

 

etc., etc., just whatever anyone has to suggest

 

So, mine are:

 

 

1. Dell Dual 2.2ghz, 140 gb, 1.5 gb rdram, quadro 700 gxl, 21" Trinitron

2. Maxtor 300 gb external hd, internal DVDRW

3. None

4. None, but will be getting Norton's very soon

 

 

Thanks.

[Crazy Homeless Guy]

unless you are currently running norton for virus protection, i wouldn't recommend their products. ....but that is just my opinion. i run zone alarm, and have been very happy with it.

[Greg Hess]

Software firewalls are security blankets.

 

If someone pulls out a flamethrower, your still F#$&(*ed.

 

I'd plan for some sort of hardware firewall to protect any array of machines. This will save resources on each machine in the cluster, as well as preventing the constant "firewall disabling" that many higher end programs recommend.

[mbr]

Greg,

 

So would you suggest a simple hardwall firewall, like ones that come with routers over a software setup?

 

I will not have the cash to buy a dedicated system, at least not right away.

 

What would you suggest as being the most effective way, and easiest to setup?

 

Thanks.

[xgarcia]

Here's what I'm running Markus:

 

Cable modem connected to Linksys 4-port router (hardware firewall) which all my computers connect to. With a router there is no need for a dedicated machine with two network cards / internet sharing. I still run ZoneAlarm on all the computer because it lets me know when something is trying to connect in or out of the computer (useful for catching spyware / adware / useless programs or windows services you don't need running).

 

Hope that helps. The Linksys router isn't more than $100 (more like 50-60, depends where you get it). It's easily configurable also.

 

Xavier

[mbr]

Xavier,

 

Thanks. So you'd recommend getting the router (I won't need one, but seeing how they are fairly cheap now) and ZoneAlarm?

 

The only reason I was leaning towars the Norton is it's all in one box (AntiVirus and Personal Firewall) for about the price of ZoneAlarm or a router. But I'd rather get it right from the beginning and spend a few more dollars.

Are there any conflicts and/or difficulties with the 2 firewalls used together?

[Greg Hess]

A simple router provides sufficent protection.

 

You can put on a software firewall, but its more of an annoyance then a benefit.

 

They don't stop hackers, they just point out a bunch of annoying things you'd rather not have known in the first place.

 

Remember that any program running in the task bar is sucking away resources.

 

Best case scenario, you shouldn't even need an antivirus program on the workstation (since you won't be checking mail and downloading stuff on it), so your task bar should be completely empty...sans perhaps a volume control nob.

 

Realistically, the best defense against hackers, viruses, and generally internet bs...

 

Is to not have your workstation online period.

[bigcahunak]

Yup

Another vote for a simple router.