Chapter 5 - Connecting to the Internet Safely

Abstract

This chapter examines the ways a computer's network connection can be used to gather data about one's computer and about software the computer is running on. The chapter explores several kinds of network setups and provides note of specific risks associated with each type. If one connects to the Internet using a dial-up modem, the computer is better protected than if the Internet connection is always on. Computers using dial-up Internet connections are less susceptible to intruders from the Internet, because they are only connected for short periods of time. Nonetheless, personal firewalls are necessary even with dial-up connections, to protect the computer while it is connected to the Internet. A firewall is important even if one's dial-up service provider is AOL and makes use of AOL's parental controls features, because these features are not equivalent to the protections provided by firewall software. It is recommended that to move from one connection to other, one should understand the risks involved and purchase appropriate security protections at the same time.