Actiontec electronic Wireless-Ready user manual Anti-Virus Programs

Actiontec Wireless-Ready DSL Gateway

With both types of Internet connections, access to the computer must be con- trolled to make sure someone on the Internet doesn’t access the information on the computer. The longer the computer is connected to the Internet, the easier it is for someone on the Internet to find the computer and attempt to access it without permission. DSL service also provides fast Internet connections. This not only improves Internet performance, it also improves Internet performance for anyone attempting to access the computer.

Gateway Security

If connecting to the ISP through Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP), be sure to provide the Gateway an password. If a password is not set, someone on the Internet can access the Gateway and change its configuration or steal your PPP login name and password. For instructions on setting the password, see the “Advanced Setup chap- ter.

If connecting to the ISP through bridging mode, the Gateway is safe from unwar- ranted and illegal intrusion.

Computer Security

To protect the valuable information on the computer, review the following topics. These topics cover software programs and operating system features affecting the security of the computer’s data.

Anti-Virus Programs

The computer should have an anti-virus program, and the virus definitions should be updated on a regular basis – at least once a month.

E-Mail Attachments

Never run a program received as an attachment to an e-mail message unless the program is known to be safe. A program from an unknown source can delete all the files on the computer’s hard disk or install a “backdoor” software application that lets people on the Internet gain access to the computer without permission.

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