Gateway GT704 user manual Electronic Security

Appendix c Computer Security

Electronic Security

Here are two methods to secure your computer electronically.

Network Address Translation

If a local area network and a PPP connection to the ISP using dynamic IP addresses through a DHCP server are being used, Network Address Translation (NAT) is being used. NAT provides a very basic level of security.

Firewalls

The safest way to prevent attacks on the computer is through a firewall – a hard- ware device or software program that protects the computer from unauthorized access by controlling who can access your computer and by monitoring the trans- missions between the computer and the Internet

Windows XP has a built-in firewall. For more information, select Help and Support Center from the Help menu. Search for Internet Connection Firewall.

If Windows 98 SE, Me, NT 4.0, or 2000 is running on the computer, consider install- ing a firewall. Hardware and software firewall products are changing rapidly as more homes and businesses establish high-speed digital connections between their local area networks and the Internet.

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