Ferrari Mailing List: Re: NFC Off Topic Computer Vs Network

[Adam Green (FlatCrank]

You've got the gist of it.  Some would joke "there's so many standards, there's always one that fits" but sadly there's so many standards, there's really no standard.  Here's what's in my head:

"network" is everything and nothing specific.

"WAN" is anything outside your computer or outside your office or outside your home.  This can be your ISP, or simply the Web or Internet or it can mean: 

"hotspot" (wifi service in a public or private venue where a password or security may or may not exist ... be extremely cautious when using any hotspot.  Even if a hotspot requires a password, it can still be insecure.  Once someone has your email password, you're swinging in the breeze -- they can look in your email provider files, your drafts, your sent mail, your inbox, find other references to passwords, financial accounts, etc.  Just carrying a bloody cell phone with wifi into an open hotspot is enough for anyone to get your email password.  I'd say this is fast becoming the most common way for people to get their email highjacked.

 

"LAN" is anything between your computers, inside your home or office, your private network, inside your:

"firewall" is a router (simplest term for any number of configurations of hardware) and software designed to keep unwelcome visitors outside, but won't necessarily protect you from: 

"malware" (malicious software trying to infect your computers with a virus, steal your private information or simply damage or corrupt your files or systems.

I mention all these because you must (must!) have all these bases covered, or you're swinging in the breeze ... may as well start and run your freshly rebuilt race engine without oil pressure -- the consequences are inevitable and tragic.  

When you'e setting up Windows 7, if you're changing security settings, avoid letting anything have access to your LAN.  Avoid leaving file sharing or printer sharing available to anything -- at least restrict everything to the LAN.  The Windows 7 defaults are quite strict and will prevent or at least warn you of any activity on your computer that could be unwelcome.  Unless you're following specific instructions to get something going (like a VPN or trusted software like Skype or Google) then don't open up any of the access restrictions, don't allow browser plug-ins, don't allow things to "start when Windows starts" etc.

"ISP" is the Internet Service Provider, which is a paid service to provide a logical set up and physical connection from your computer or private ni

When someone says "network" they probably also mean the network interface in your given computer and they might well be generally talking about getting your single computer or home network connected to the Web (aka Internet, aka WWW, aka "it's a bunch of pipes!")  

For any hardware or software since W7 or OS X, the configuration of the network ("the setup of the NIC" aka "IP address"  or any reference to software or hardware configuration) is generally fully automatic, beyond you knowing a password.  They're probably talking about access beyond the LAN, connecting your LAN to a WAN.

I run Mac OS X and Windows 7.  I use AVG Free on the W7 boxes.  Keep your OS updated.  Avoid using hotspots without security.  Don't leave your cell phone or laptop so that it will check for email as soon as it finds a wifi service.  Well, hopefully that scatter gun hit the target.

Adam

On Mon, Jul 4, 2011 at 8:17 AM, Larry <l02turner [at] comcast.net> wrote:

Hi Gang -

I worry about this every time I set up a new computer – maybe someone knows – I checked Wiki without success.

 

What’s the difference between “Internet’ and ‘Network’ – in the context of Microsoft providing instructions about setting up home networks?  They (MS) have many options about allowing access to this or that – mostly things like {do you want to allow others on the *network* to see your computer?”

 

I *think* a network is like my home LAN – with only outside access coming thru the router/cable connection.  While the Internet is the WWW.  So I can allow access to others on my Network without fear (it’s just me and my wife)?

 

But with MS it’s hard to be 100% sure.

 

Am I fairly accurate?  I’m sure you can see the reason for needing a clear definition of these terms – to prevent opening access to my LAN to those on the WWW.

 

Thanks --   Please feel free to reply off forum at info [at] youroil.net  if you wish.

_________________________________________________________________
To unsubscribe or modify your subscription options, please visit:
http://lists.ferrarilist.com/mailman/options/ferrari/flatcrank%40gmail.com

Sponsored by BooyahMedia.com
and F1 Headlines
http://www.F1Headlines.com/