getting the user's (internet, not local network) IP address

[Michael Kann]

Bob, 

Thank you very much for the good info. You've fired me up install the setup you describe. Until now I've probably just been luckier than I deserve to be.

Mike

--- On Tue, 5/18/10, Bob Sneidar <bobs at twft.com> wrote:

> From: Bob Sneidar <bobs at twft.com>
> Subject: Re: getting the user's (internet, not local network) IP address
> To: "How to use Revolution" <use-revolution at lists.runrev.com>
> Date: Tuesday, May 18, 2010, 4:10 PM
> Hi Mike. 
> 
> It is the generally accepted rule of thumb that some kind
> of firewall appliance between your cable modem and your
> computer is highly advisable. First, it almost certainly
> will use some form of NAT, which is Network Address
> Translation. This converts the packet info containing your
> local IP to the public IP of the gateway/firewall,
> effectively hiding your local IP from any casual bots or
> even a real hacker. I think all modern gateways detect IP
> spoofing so the packets would be dropped. By default, most
> home gateway products allow all outbound traffic, while only
> allowing approved inbound traffic that you have configured.
> Mostly you won't need to do this, but some older PC games
> require you to open up ports. Peer to peer file sharing will
> as well. I recommend you avoid those like the plague. 
> 
> A personal firewall is also recommended in a situation
> where there are several computers connected to yours
> locally, say throughout the house, and especially if you
> have a wireless access point on your local network. Wireless
> access points are not very secure, unless you take the time
> to lock them down which most people have no idea how to do
> well. If everyone has a personal firewall running on their
> computers, it becomes much harder for a determined hacker
> who got in (like your neighbor's kid who cracked your
> encryption on your wireless access point) or a worm on a
> computer on your network trying to compromise other local
> computers, say from your neighbor's kid who brought over his
> laptop for he and your kid to use. 
> 
> If you take these precautions, along with some decent form
> of antivirus/antispyware (avoid the free ones please) and
> you keep your computer up to date with Windows Update, your
> chances of being compromised are almost nil. 
> 
> Bob
> 
> 
> On May 17, 2010, at 6:14 PM, Michael Kann wrote:
> 
> > <snip>
> > The part that scares me a little is Bob's remark:
> >
> -------------------------------------------------------
> > Still, I think the more likely scenario for this
> thread is that he -- that being me -- doesn't have a
> firewall solution that is not a personal firewall, which I
> always recommend for any home user or business.
> >
> -------------------------------------------------------
> > What that tells me is that a personal firewall isn't
> really sufficient.
> > 
> > Thanks again for the info,
> > 
> > Mike
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