New Computer - New DSL: What do I need security-wise?

[Aguecheek]

@Toddly

You haven’t mentioned using a router in your setup. I would advise getting one because it is yet another layer of protection and you will not need to run the connection software that comes with the DSL provider.

Whoa. Router? What?

Can someone give me a quick rundown on what this is, and how vitally important it might be considering all the other stuff I’ll be adding on? I’m gonna see what I can find online, but a quick synopsis (if possible) would be greatly appreciated. We’re only gonna have the one computer on there.

[Aguecheek]

Okay:

Network Address Translation is used in a router to prevent hacking into the local area network (LAN). NAT substitutes a “private” IP address of devices located on the LAN side of the router with a new “public” IP address that is visible on the internet side of the router. By virtue of this simple implementation, any of up to 253 devices located on the LAN will be hidden from internet hackers. Only the router’s IP address is visible on the internet.

Is this along the same lines as an anonymizer or something? Don’t a lot of sites frown upon this kind of thing, along the lines of “you might be using it to stop hackers, but you might be a hacker trying to disguise yourself?”

[D_Odds]

@Aguecheek

Really. Why can’t you run two at the same time? Tear in the space-time continuum kinda thing?

That’s just a secondary effect.

In the past, they’d end up tripping over each other to block stuff. May have been fixed with newer releases, but you really don’t need more than one.

[D_Odds]

@Aguecheek

Okay:
Is this along the same lines as an anonymizer or something? Don’t a lot of sites frown upon this kind of thing, along the lines of “you might be using it to stop hackers, but you might be a hacker trying to disguise yourself?”

Routers don’t (normally) create an anonymous proxy. The main use of a router is to take an incoming signal from DSL or cable and split it up to several computers. Most routers also have built in firewalls. These are generally called hardare firewalls, and exist nicely side-by-side with software firewalls like Zonealarm. Many routers include a wireless component and a wired component. Basically, the DSL line will go from your wall into the DSL modem, from the modem to the router and from the router to your PC. There should be very little configuring you need to do. The main manufacturers include Netgear, D-Link, Buffalo and Belkin (not a comprehensive list).

[Aguecheek]

Cool!

Thanks, D_Odds!

[asterion]

I’ve had some problems with my router (a used D-Link I got off eBay.) It was working fine for a while, then it stopped connecting. I couldn’t even pull up the address of the router to see if it was connected. I haven’t tried it again to see if it’s working.

[danceswithcats]

Nothing compy related, but if the place where your new computer and DSL line will live is equipped with a central-station monitored fire and/or burglary alarm, verify communication with the central station after DSL installation. If the DSL filter(s) are located in the wrong spot, the digital communicator in the alarm panel won’t be able to see POTS and effect a connection.