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Chads Q&A for June: Firewalls
Chad,
I keep hearing all this stuff about "firewalls" and how they'll keep intruders out of my computer. Is this true? Most of my friends have said that if I dont get a firewall I'm at risk of someone watching what I do on the internet, or even stealing my credit card numbers or identity. What should I do?
Sincerly,
-Stan
Stan,
There's no need to worry my friend. Let me give you a quick run down of what exactly a "firewall" is, what it does for you, and if you need one or not.
To begin with, what exactly IS a firewall? Well, in short, it's a gate between your computer and the internet. Imagine a huge wall, inside of the wall is your computer, and outside of the wall is the internet, filled with viruses, hackers, and other baddies just trying to get inside. Now imagine a gate, with a gatekeeper standing guard. That gatekeeper is your firewall. When traffic tries to come inside the walls of your computer, he makes them stop, checks their passport to make sure they are allowed inside, then either allows them in or turns them away based on what you've told him you want allowed in. So basically, a firewall is a guard to keep your computer safe.
Do I need a firewall?
This is a tricky question. The basic short answer is No, you do not. When you log onto your internet connection, you are assigned an address from our servers. Without this address, it is very difficult for anyone to gain unauthorized access to your computer. Every time you connect and disconnect, you are assigned a new address, so those internet baddies dont ever have time to get in. It could take days, weeks, or even months to get inside your computer. So the best way to keep your computer safe is to simply log off when your not using the internet! What about DSL you ask? Well, with our DSL speedstream modems, there is a built in firewall that is automatically configured when you install it! So Stan, you have no reason to worry!
Sincerly,
-Chad
Do you have a question that you would like to see in our next edition of NetNoise?!?
Just send us an email with the subject of "Chads Q&A". We'll randomly select one each month and answer it here on our NetNoise page! Please send questions to help@n2thenet.com |
Summertime means great summer foods and snacks!
Cookouts, watermelon, lemonade, swimming pools... some of the greatest things in life are associated with summer, and we have a few interesting facts about them for you.
Everyone loves watermelon. Did you know that the first watermelon harvest occured nearly 5,000 years ago in Egypt? There's a lot of neat stuff to learn about watermelons, as well as some great recipes, right here at this site.
So you've already taken the kids swimming, to the park, and out in the back yard to play volleyball. You want to keep them outside for awhile, away from the cartoons and video games at least during the daytime, so what are you going to do? Here's a site with some fun activities for kids to do in the summertime.
When you think about summer, what's the first thing that comes to mind? The Sun is surely near the top of the list. The Sun is so large that a million earths could fit inside it; and yet, the sun is only a middle-sized star. Find out more myths, legends, and information about the Sun here!
Random Fun ~ Ridiculous Laws:
The Chico City Council in California has a ban on nuclear weapons. There is a $500 fine for anyone detonating one within city limits.
In Arkansas, a man can legally hit his wife, but not more than once a month.
In California a vehicle without a driver may not exceed 60 MPH.
In Indiana you are not allowed to attend a movie house or theater nor ride in a public streetcar within four hours after eating garlic. (Sorry, Italians!!)
In Tennessee it is illegal for a woman to call a man for a date, and you can't shoot any game other than whales from a moving automobile.
In Alabama it is illegal to wear a fake mustache that causes laughter in church.
In Alaska while it is legal to shoot bears, it is illegal to wake a sleeping bear for the purpose of taking a photograph.
In Acworth, Georgia, all citizens must own a rake.
In Chicago, Illinois, it is illegal to fish in pajamas.
And in Marlboro, Massachusetts, it is illegal to buy, sell or possess a squirt gun.
More ridiculous laws to come in the next issue...
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Tommy's Top Sites For The Month Of June
Tommy has found a fresh batch of links that are suitable for Father's Day.
Remember your father and share these great links with him.
Have you ever wondered how the tradition of Father's Day began? Take a look at this link and you can find out!
Every dad has, or has at least seen, the Billy Bass singing fish. Being a dad, there's an excellent chance that he's curious about how it works. Well, now he'll know!
What's the most common gift for a dad to receive on Father's Day? You'll be hard-pressed to find a father that hasn't received at least one of these.... every year.
There's been a history of great fathers in this country, but how about the first Constitutionally recognized father of this country? Take a trip to his scenic Mount Vernon home, and make sure to have your speakers turned up!
Dumb Criminal Stories:
Chicago: A man was wanted for throwing bricks through jewelry store windows and making off with the loot. He was arrested last night after throwing a brick into a Plexiglas window...the brick bounced back, hit him in the head and knocked him cold until the police got there.
A pair of Michigan robbers entered a record shop nervously waving revolvers. The first one shouted, "Nobody move!" When his partner moved, the startled first bandit shot him.
Lake City, Florida: Karen Lee Joachimi, 20, was arrested for robbery of a Howard Johnson's motel. She was armed with only an electric chainsaw, which was not plugged in.
Texas: A man convicted of robbery worked out a deal to pay $9600 in damages rather than serve a prison sentence. For payment, he provided the court a check--a *forged* check. He got 10 years.
Wichita, Kansas: Police arrested a 22-year-old man at an airport hotel after he tried to pass two (counterfeit) $16 bills.
Ionia, Michigan: When two service station attendants refused to hand over the cash to an intoxicated robber, the man threatened to call the police. They still refused, so the robber called the police and was arrested.
More dumb criminal stories to come in the next issue...
To every Dad out there...
Happy Father's Day!!
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