internet security

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Adam - 31 May 2007 22:20 GMT

i'm getting a cable modem next week. I want to avoid spyware, hackers, etc.
and make my mac internet safe. Setting up a secure connection isn't my best
subject, which is why i've come here looking for help. I use the macbookpro
for mainly audio engineering.. i have to make sure that i don't get hit with
anything that slows down the machine, as audio recording software is CPU
intensive. What measures should i take to keep my computer safe.. do i need
to buy a firewall? FYI, i won't be using wifi, just the cable modem straight
to the laptop.

Thanks,
-Adam
adam79@toast.net

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Gregory Weston - 31 May 2007 22:32 GMT

> i'm getting a cable modem next week. I want to avoid spyware, hackers, etc.
> and make my mac internet safe. Setting up a secure connection isn't my best
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> to buy a firewall? FYI, i won't be using wifi, just the cable modem straight
> to the laptop.

The OS comes with a built-in software firewall that's probably adequate
for most people consider the essentially-complete lack of active malware
for the Mac at this time.

Turn off Safari's "feature" that automatically opens downloaded files,
don't open things that you didn't expect to get, and don't grab things
from warez sites and you should be fine.

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Bob Harris - 01 Jun 2007 00:33 GMT

> i'm getting a cable modem next week. I want to avoid spyware, hackers, etc.
> and make my mac internet safe. Setting up a secure connection isn't my best
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> -Adam
> adam79@toast.net

You might want to consider getting an inexpensive Cable/DSL router
(with or without WiFi).

This will do several things for you. First it will become a
hardware firewall that will avoid annoying your MacBook Pro by
in-bound probes (remember, even if you run firewall software on
your Mac, you still have to expend CPU resources to respond, if
only to decide whether to accept or ignore a request, and that is
CPU cycles you could be putting to better use.

Second, if you want to attach additional computers to your
network, like if your Mom comes to visit with her own laptop, then
a router will allow you to do that (substitute any guest for
"Mom").

Try doing some internet searches <http:/dealmac.com>

You might also want to check if the Cable Modem provided by your
cable company is actually a Modem/Router combo. If that is the
case, then you are all set.

Bob Harris

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Mac Forum / General / Portable Macs / May 2007

internet security