Microsoft has had to create a new build of Windows XP Professional for computer makers because the six-year-old operating system's continued popularity has nearly exhausted the supply of product activation keys. The new build, dubbed SP2c, includes no fixes or feature changes, but was created simply to address the shrinking pool of product keys. XP Pro SP2c, which has been released to manufacturing, will be made available to OEMs and system builders next month, said Microsoft.
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Member since:2006-12-05
Funny, because even with Windows XP (original, SP1, SP2), my NAT router has prevented... well, basically *anything* from entering my system without my permission. Well... aside from adware/spyware thanks to ActiveX in IE while running Windows and bundled crap that's secretly packed with potentially-useful software, but that's understandable (though still pathetic).
No viruses, worms, trojans, etc... And since I completely ditched IE years ago (when other browsers' web page compatibility shot up, and I have since never went back) and have found the troublemaker setup programs with bundled spyware, I haven't even had to worry about those types of malware either. Now, I'm pretty much using Linux only (with WinXP installed and rarely used for whatever reason), and still without any problems.
In conclusion: In my experience, my NAT router has done wonders. Even with Windows, before any service packs. I remember a time when I was on dial-up, and some computer on the network always sent an annoying worm if I recall correctly. I would remove it, it would be sent back. Installing a software firewall fixed that. Since then, relying on my NAT router alone has kept me safe. That was way back in the Win95 / Win98 days.
Member since:2005-08-11
Like I said in my previous post, most routers today have both a NAT router and a firewall running on them. My $59 linksys certainly does, and my home network is vertually invisible to the outside world. Nothing is 100% secure, but most of todays consumer wired routers have some sort of firewall and NAT routing, it's a damn good place to start
Member since:2006-09-19
How does the hardware firewall work?
If it's hardwired circuitry, how do you open ports if needed? Do you have to solder in new circuits?
Member since:2007-05-06
Member since:
2005-06-29
I agree that a router with NAT is a handy tool in securing a home connection (read the last part of my previous post) but my problem is with calling a router a hardware firewall. That's like calling a Go-Kart a family car; yes they both have wheels and an engine, but that's where the similarity ends (imagine a head-on collision in a Go-Kart compared to a real car). As I said before, the only "firewall" in a router is software based and is limited at that. A hardware firewall is what you find in your IT department's wiring closet; it's overkill for the typical home user but the misnomer leads people to believe that a router will offer more protection than it actually does. Your router has its place, but it should never, ever be the only line of defense.