Joe's Security

I think the biggest reasons most home computer users still don't have a real, separate firewall between their computer and the Internet, are:

1. The importance of extending your security perimeter with a firewall isn't understood.
2. Nuisance factor - Just another thing to "deal with."
3. Firewalls "sound" expensive
4. Fear of difficulty to set up

If you don't understand cyber-security perimeters and building one with a firewall, then check out:

Know your Security Perimeter  and   Seriously, Get a REAL Firewall!

The "nuisance," "expensive" and "difficult to set up" assumptions only come from lack of understanding - that is, they're not really issues. For example, with my firewall:

- The firmware needs updating about once or twice a year and takes just a few minutes
- The Linksys WRT54G used in this article cost about $50 USD with free shipping AND provides a wireless access point for my wireless "stuff."
- Took less than 15 minutes to set it up

So $50 bucks + a few minutes of my time... and BAM! my computer(s) disappear from Internet visibility, PLUS now I can share my Internet connection with several other devices, too, like my Xbox and wireless laptop.

So, for this tutorial, the Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router (model WRT54G) was chosen as is (along with its sister models) one of the most popular broadband routers ever! There are better firewalls to be had, but if you put one of these or a similar device made by Netgear, D-Link, Buffalo or such, your home computer security has taken a huge step forward.

So let's get started!

Whether you're replacing a firewall or adding one for the first time, just follow these steps. Additionally, even if you're using a different brand or model, they'll all have about the same requirements, just the management interface will be a little different.

First of all, make sure you have a copy of the installation guide, likely a PDF file on the install CD you got with it, or if need be, download it from the vendor's web site.

Next, write down your current network settings, just in case you need them. Assuming you're on a Windows computer, click "Start" then "Run" then type in "CMD" (without the quotes) and hit "Enter." This will bring up a DOS window.

In the DOS window type: "ipconfig /all" (no quotes) then hit "Enter." This returns your network settings like this:

Write down your:

- Physical address (is like: 00-05-D2-BB-C2-01)
- IP address (if is something other than 192.168."something")
- Subnet Mask (skip if IP was 192.168."something")
- Gateway  (skip if IP was 192.168."something")
- DNS Servers

Some of this MAY need to be put into your router/firewall depending on your Internet provider.

Next...