negatives of cable modems

R

richard waters

New member
Feb 8, 1999
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Tom,
While it is true that one can leave their computer exposed to the internet with
DSL or a cable modem, it is fairly simple to protect your computer from prying
eyes. You may not be aware, but every time you're on the internet now with your
dial up connection, someone on the outside could access your files.

There are a number of different methods to give your computer protection such as
firewall programs. You could also simply turn the modem on and off as desired.
This is no different then a dial up connection in that regard. The big plus for
cable modems and DSL is high speed and the fact that you are not tying up a phone
line when on the net.

I would not ever want to go back to a dial up connection.
Richard Waters
1976 Palm Beach
Troy, MI

> The fact that you are on all of the time is also a big negative. That means
> that anyone can get access to your computer and the information in it.
> Password protection does not cut it. Very easy to break
>

> >In my area (NY) we have DSL and cable. Cable is about half the price of DSL
> >and at present moves much faster than DSL. The only concern with cable is
> >that it is a shared band, and gets slower when more folks are on at the same
> >time. Check with your local cable company for availability. The speed of
> >these lines, and the fact they are always on, is great!
> >
> >Good luck, Tony B.
> >
> >----- Original Message -----
> >From:
> >To:
> >Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2000 11:31 AM
> >Subject: Re: GMC: DSL (or lack of) in NM
> >
> >
> >>

> >>
> >> >> DSL. >>
> >>
> >> Thanks, Richard. I'll check into that.
> >>
> >> Emery stora
> >>
> >
> >
 
My modem doesn't have an on off switch, so I bought an inexpensive switch
that allows me to disconnect and become invisible!

- ----- Original Message -----
From: Richard Waters
To:
Sent: Thursday, April 06, 2000 12:55 AM
Subject: Re: GMC: negatives of cable modems

> Tom,
> While it is true that one can leave their computer exposed to the internet
with
> DSL or a cable modem, it is fairly simple to protect your computer from
prying
> eyes. You may not be aware, but every time you're on the internet now
with your
> dial up connection, someone on the outside could access your files.
>
> There are a number of different methods to give your computer protection
such as
> firewall programs. You could also simply turn the modem on and off as
desired.
> This is no different then a dial up connection in that regard. The big
plus for
> cable modems and DSL is high speed and the fact that you are not tying up
a phone
> line when on the net.
>
> I would not ever want to go back to a dial up connection.
> Richard Waters
> 1976 Palm Beach
> Troy, MI
>

>
> > The fact that you are on all of the time is also a big negative. That
means
> > that anyone can get access to your computer and the information in it.
> > Password protection does not cut it. Very easy to break
> >

> > >In my area (NY) we have DSL and cable. Cable is about half the price of
DSL
> > >and at present moves much faster than DSL. The only concern with cable
is
> > >that it is a shared band, and gets slower when more folks are on at the
same
> > >time. Check with your local cable company for availability. The speed
of
> > >these lines, and the fact they are always on, is great!
> > >
> > >Good luck, Tony B.
> > >
> > >----- Original Message -----
> > >From:
> > >To:
> > >Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2000 11:31 AM
> > >Subject: Re: GMC: DSL (or lack of) in NM
> > >
> > >
> > >>

> > >>
> > >> > >> DSL. >>
> > >>
> > >> Thanks, Richard. I'll check into that.
> > >>
> > >> Emery stora
> > >>
> > >
> > >
>
>
 
really do not have to turn off the modem, just log off. The modem stays
connected to the system but they cannot reach your computer. @home (cable
modem) has gone to a dynamic IP system, which says they are changing your
address every time you log in, so it is hard for any one to keep looking at
your system. The same thing happens if you stay logged into a dial-up
modem system long enough for them to see your computer, so it is really not
much different.

There are free programs like Blackice that will tell you if someone is
pinging your system. Even so, what if they do get into your system, most of
us do not have much they would want to see.... even if you have your books
up there, what would they gain. Let them look.

Not much risk here

gene



>My modem doesn't have an on off switch, so I bought an inexpensive switch
>that allows me to disconnect and become invisible!
>
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: Richard Waters
>To:
>Sent: Thursday, April 06, 2000 12:55 AM
>Subject: Re: GMC: negatives of cable modems
>
>
>> Tom,
>> While it is true that one can leave their computer exposed to the Internet
>with
>> DSL or a cable modem, it is fairly simple to protect your computer from
>prying
>> eyes. You may not be aware, but every time you're on the Internet now
>with your
>> dial up connection, someone on the outside could access your files.
>>
>> There are a number of different methods to give your computer protection
>such as
>> firewall programs. You could also simply turn the modem on and off as
>desired.
>> This is no different then a dial up connection in that regard. The big
>plus for
>> cable modems and DSL is high speed and the fact that you are not tying up
>a phone
>> line when on the net.
>>
>> I would not ever want to go back to a dial up connection.
>> Richard Waters
>> 1976 Palm Beach
>> Troy, MI
>>

>>
>> > The fact that you are on all of the time is also a big negative. That
>means
>> > that anyone can get access to your computer and the information in it.
>> > Password protection does not cut it. Very easy to break
>> >

>> > >In my area (NY) we have DSL and cable. Cable is about half the price of
>DSL
>> > >and at present moves much faster than DSL. The only concern with cable
>is
>> > >that it is a shared band, and gets slower when more folks are on at the
>same
>> > >time. Check with your local cable company for availability. The speed
>of
>> > >these lines, and the fact they are always on, is great!
>> > >
>> > >Good luck, Tony B.
>> > >
>> > >----- Original Message -----
>> > >From:
>> > >To:
>> > >Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2000 11:31 AM
>> > >Subject: Re: GMC: DSL (or lack of) in NM
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >>

>> > >>
>> > >> then
>> > >> DSL. >>
>> > >>
>> > >> Thanks, Richard. I'll check into that.
>> > >>
>> > >> Emery stora
>> > >>
>> > >
>> > >
>>
>>
>
Genef -- 77PB/ore/ca
GMC MOTORHOME INFORMATION
mr.erf
http://www.california.com/~eagle/
 
I don't have an on off switch either. The modem's power transformer is plugged
into a surge protector and that has a switch. The problem with that is the
modem is in another room and pulling the plug on that disables internet access
for the other computers on our network, which is not necessarily desirable. I
recently installed a software firewall. Now when I want to be invisible I use
the firewall software to disconnect the computer from the web. That seems to
work well to make my computer totally invisible to the internet.

> My modem doesn't have an on off switch, so I bought an inexpensive switch
> that allows me to disconnect and become invisible!
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Richard Waters
> To:
> Sent: Thursday, April 06, 2000 12:55 AM
> Subject: Re: GMC: negatives of cable modems
>
> > Tom,
> > While it is true that one can leave their computer exposed to the internet
> with
> > DSL or a cable modem, it is fairly simple to protect your computer from
> prying
> > eyes. You may not be aware, but every time you're on the internet now
> with your
> > dial up connection, someone on the outside could access your files.
> >
> > There are a number of different methods to give your computer protection
> such as
> > firewall programs. You could also simply turn the modem on and off as
> desired.
> > This is no different then a dial up connection in that regard. The big
> plus for
> > cable modems and DSL is high speed and the fact that you are not tying up
> a phone
> > line when on the net.
> >
> > I would not ever want to go back to a dial up connection.
> > Richard Waters
> > 1976 Palm Beach
> > Troy, MI
> >

> >
> > > The fact that you are on all of the time is also a big negative. That
> means
> > > that anyone can get access to your computer and the information in it.
> > > Password protection does not cut it. Very easy to break
> > >

> > > >In my area (NY) we have DSL and cable. Cable is about half the price of
> DSL
> > > >and at present moves much faster than DSL. The only concern with cable
> is
> > > >that it is a shared band, and gets slower when more folks are on at the
> same
> > > >time. Check with your local cable company for availability. The speed
> of
> > > >these lines, and the fact they are always on, is great!
> > > >
> > > >Good luck, Tony B.
> > > >
> > > >----- Original Message -----
> > > >From:
> > > >To:
> > > >Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2000 11:31 AM
> > > >Subject: Re: GMC: DSL (or lack of) in NM
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >>

> > > >>
> > > >> then
> > > >> DSL. >>
> > > >>
> > > >> Thanks, Richard. I'll check into that.
> > > >>
> > > >> Emery stora
> > > >>
> > > >
> > > >
> >
> >
 
Gene,
I have also have AT&T and I don't have a dynamic IP address. My IP address
is fixed. I wonder if I'll be able to upgrade to a dynamic address like you
apparently have.

Ever since I installed the firewall it keeps reporting attempts to access my
computer from the internet. Some of the time they are cookies coming back from
web sites, but other times I'm getting pinged. I'm really surprised how often
that happens. I should have installed the firewall a long time ago.
Richard Waters

> really do not have to turn off the modem, just log off. The modem stays
> connected to the system but they cannot reach your computer. @home (cable
> modem) has gone to a dynamic IP system, which says they are changing your
> address every time you log in, so it is hard for any one to keep looking at
> your system. The same thing happens if you stay logged into a dial-up
> modem system long enough for them to see your computer, so it is really not
> much different.
>
> There are free programs like Blackice that will tell you if someone is
> pinging your system. Even so, what if they do get into your system, most of
> us do not have much they would want to see.... even if you have your books
> up there, what would they gain. Let them look.
>
> Not much risk here
>
> gene
>
>

> >My modem doesn't have an on off switch, so I bought an inexpensive switch
> >that allows me to disconnect and become invisible!
> >
> >
> >----- Original Message -----
> >From: Richard Waters
> >To:
> >Sent: Thursday, April 06, 2000 12:55 AM
> >Subject: Re: GMC: negatives of cable modems
> >
> >
> >> Tom,
> >> While it is true that one can leave their computer exposed to the Internet
> >with
> >> DSL or a cable modem, it is fairly simple to protect your computer from
> >prying
> >> eyes. You may not be aware, but every time you're on the Internet now
> >with your
> >> dial up connection, someone on the outside could access your files.
> >>
> >> There are a number of different methods to give your computer protection
> >such as
> >> firewall programs. You could also simply turn the modem on and off as
> >desired.
> >> This is no different then a dial up connection in that regard. The big
> >plus for
> >> cable modems and DSL is high speed and the fact that you are not tying up
> >a phone
> >> line when on the net.
> >>
> >> I would not ever want to go back to a dial up connection.
> >> Richard Waters
> >> 1976 Palm Beach
> >> Troy, MI
> >>

> >>
> >> > The fact that you are on all of the time is also a big negative. That
> >means
> >> > that anyone can get access to your computer and the information in it.
> >> > Password protection does not cut it. Very easy to break
> >> >

> >> > >In my area (NY) we have DSL and cable. Cable is about half the price of
> >DSL
> >> > >and at present moves much faster than DSL. The only concern with cable
> >is
> >> > >that it is a shared band, and gets slower when more folks are on at the
> >same
> >> > >time. Check with your local cable company for availability. The speed
> >of
> >> > >these lines, and the fact they are always on, is great!
> >> > >
> >> > >Good luck, Tony B.
> >> > >
> >> > >----- Original Message -----
> >> > >From:
> >> > >To:
> >> > >Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2000 11:31 AM
> >> > >Subject: Re: GMC: DSL (or lack of) in NM
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > >>

> >> > >>
> >> > >> >then
> >> > >> DSL. >>
> >> > >>
> >> > >> Thanks, Richard. I'll check into that.
> >> > >>
> >> > >> Emery stora
> >> > >>
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >>
> >>
> >
> Genef -- 77PB/ore/ca
> GMC MOTORHOME INFORMATION
> mr.erf
> http://www.california.com/~eagle/
 
Consider yourself lucky! Most sites charge extra BIG $$$ for a staic address.
It really is a superior setup to dynamic!

- - Tim

> Gene,
> I have also have AT&T and I don't have a dynamic IP address. My IP address
> is fixed. I wonder if I'll be able to upgrade to a dynamic address like you
> apparently have.
>
> Ever since I installed the firewall it keeps reporting attempts to access my
> computer from the internet. Some of the time they are cookies coming back from
> web sites, but other times I'm getting pinged. I'm really surprised how often
> that happens. I should have installed the firewall a long time ago.
> Richard Waters
>
>

>
> > really do not have to turn off the modem, just log off. The modem stays
> > connected to the system but they cannot reach your computer. @home (cable
> > modem) has gone to a dynamic IP system, which says they are changing your
> > address every time you log in, so it is hard for any one to keep looking at
> > your system. The same thing happens if you stay logged into a dial-up
> > modem system long enough for them to see your computer, so it is really not
> > much different.
> >
> > There are free programs like Blackice that will tell you if someone is
> > pinging your system. Even so, what if they do get into your system, most of
> > us do not have much they would want to see.... even if you have your books
> > up there, what would they gain. Let them look.
> >
> > Not much risk here
> >
> > gene
> >
> >

> > >My modem doesn't have an on off switch, so I bought an inexpensive switch
> > >that allows me to disconnect and become invisible!
> > >
> > >
> > >----- Original Message -----
> > >From: Richard Waters
> > >To:
> > >Sent: Thursday, April 06, 2000 12:55 AM
> > >Subject: Re: GMC: negatives of cable modems
> > >
> > >
> > >> Tom,
> > >> While it is true that one can leave their computer exposed to the Internet
> > >with
> > >> DSL or a cable modem, it is fairly simple to protect your computer from
> > >prying
> > >> eyes. You may not be aware, but every time you're on the Internet now
> > >with your
> > >> dial up connection, someone on the outside could access your files.
> > >>
> > >> There are a number of different methods to give your computer protection
> > >such as
> > >> firewall programs. You could also simply turn the modem on and off as
> > >desired.
> > >> This is no different then a dial up connection in that regard. The big
> > >plus for
> > >> cable modems and DSL is high speed and the fact that you are not tying up
> > >a phone
> > >> line when on the net.
> > >>
> > >> I would not ever want to go back to a dial up connection.
> > >> Richard Waters
> > >> 1976 Palm Beach
> > >> Troy, MI
> > >>

> > >>
> > >> > The fact that you are on all of the time is also a big negative. That
> > >means
> > >> > that anyone can get access to your computer and the information in it.
> > >> > Password protection does not cut it. Very easy to break
> > >> >

> > >> > >In my area (NY) we have DSL and cable. Cable is about half the price of
> > >DSL
> > >> > >and at present moves much faster than DSL. The only concern with cable
> > >is
> > >> > >that it is a shared band, and gets slower when more folks are on at the
> > >same
> > >> > >time. Check with your local cable company for availability. The speed
> > >of
> > >> > >these lines, and the fact they are always on, is great!
> > >> > >
> > >> > >Good luck, Tony B.
> > >> > >
> > >> > >----- Original Message -----
> > >> > >From:
> > >> > >To:
> > >> > >Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2000 11:31 AM
> > >> > >Subject: Re: GMC: DSL (or lack of) in NM
> > >> > >
> > >> > >
> > >> > >>

> > >> > >>
> > >> > >> > >then
> > >> > >> DSL. >>
> > >> > >>
> > >> > >> Thanks, Richard. I'll check into that.
> > >> > >>
> > >> > >> Emery stora
> > >> > >>
> > >> > >
> > >> > >
> > >>
> > >>
> > >
> > Genef -- 77PB/ore/ca
> > GMC MOTORHOME INFORMATION
> > mr.erf
> > http://www.california.com/~eagle/
>
>

- --
================================================================================
Tim Dawson (tadawson) Owner/Engineer
TPC Services Bellnet: (972)-221-7385
Lewisville, Texas 75067 FAXnet: (972)-221-0393
"The world is complex. Sendmail.cf reflects this...."
 
I think if you call them they will tell you how to configure for this.
Originally they had fixed IP addrs. but the new systems come with dynamic

gene

>Gene,
>I have also have AT&T and I don't have a dynamic IP address. My IP
address
>is fixed. I wonder if I'll be able to upgrade to a dynamic address like you
>apparently have.
>
>Ever since I installed the firewall it keeps reporting attempts to access my
>computer from the internet. Some of the time they are cookies coming back
from
>web sites, but other times I'm getting pinged. I'm really surprised how
often
>that happens. I should have installed the firewall a long time ago.
>Richard Waters
>
>

>
>> really do not have to turn off the modem, just log off. The modem stays
>> connected to the system but they cannot reach your computer. @home (cable
>> modem) has gone to a dynamic IP system, which says they are changing your
>> address every time you log in, so it is hard for any one to keep looking at
>> your system. The same thing happens if you stay logged into a dial-up
>> modem system long enough for them to see your computer, so it is really not
>> much different.
>>
>> There are free programs like Blackice that will tell you if someone is
>> pinging your system. Even so, what if they do get into your system, most of
>> us do not have much they would want to see.... even if you have your books
>> up there, what would they gain. Let them look.
>>
>> Not much risk here
>>
>> gene
>>
>>

>> >My modem doesn't have an on off switch, so I bought an inexpensive switch
>> >that allows me to disconnect and become invisible!
>> >
>> >
>> >----- Original Message -----
>> >From: Richard Waters
>> >To:
>> >Sent: Thursday, April 06, 2000 12:55 AM
>> >Subject: Re: GMC: negatives of cable modems
>> >
>> >
>> >> Tom,
>> >> While it is true that one can leave their computer exposed to the
Internet
>> >with
>> >> DSL or a cable modem, it is fairly simple to protect your computer from
>> >prying
>> >> eyes. You may not be aware, but every time you're on the Internet now
>> >with your
>> >> dial up connection, someone on the outside could access your files.
>> >>
>> >> There are a number of different methods to give your computer protection
>> >such as
>> >> firewall programs. You could also simply turn the modem on and off as
>> >desired.
>> >> This is no different then a dial up connection in that regard. The big
>> >plus for
>> >> cable modems and DSL is high speed and the fact that you are not
tying up
>> >a phone
>> >> line when on the net.
>> >>
>> >> I would not ever want to go back to a dial up connection.
>> >> Richard Waters
>> >> 1976 Palm Beach
>> >> Troy, MI
>> >>

>> >>
>> >> > The fact that you are on all of the time is also a big negative. That
>> >means
>> >> > that anyone can get access to your computer and the information in it.
>> >> > Password protection does not cut it. Very easy to break
>> >> >

>> >> > >In my area (NY) we have DSL and cable. Cable is about half the
price of
>> >DSL
>> >> > >and at present moves much faster than DSL. The only concern with
cable
>> >is
>> >> > >that it is a shared band, and gets slower when more folks are on
at the
>> >same
>> >> > >time. Check with your local cable company for availability. The speed
>> >of
>> >> > >these lines, and the fact they are always on, is great!
>> >> > >
>> >> > >Good luck, Tony B.
>> >> > >
>> >> > >----- Original Message -----
>> >> > >From:
>> >> > >To:
>> >> > >Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2000 11:31 AM
>> >> > >Subject: Re: GMC: DSL (or lack of) in NM
>> >> > >
>> >> > >
>> >> > >>

>> >> > >>
>> >> > >> > >then
>> >> > >> DSL. >>
>> >> > >>
>> >> > >> Thanks, Richard. I'll check into that.
>> >> > >>
>> >> > >> Emery stora
>> >> > >>
>> >> > >
>> >> > >
>> >>
>> >>
>> >
>> Genef -- 77PB/ore/ca
>> GMC MOTORHOME INFORMATION
>> mr.erf
>> http://www.california.com/~eagle/
>
>
Genef -- 77PB/ore/ca
GMC MOTORHOME INFORMATION
mr.erf
http://www.california.com/~eagle/
 
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