I'm finally getting out of dark ages, I think. DSL finally became available out in the sticks where I live. My question is....

Since DSL modem is active all the time (powered and connected even when 'puter is off), I'm not sure of best route to take when rendering. With dial up, I would disable Norton security and anti-virus fm running in background when rendering. Since DSL is always active and connected via ethernet port, should Norton be left on for protection? Is unpowering DSL modem adviseable or disabling ethernet port fm control panel (windows xp- sp2)? Either of these options require modem to retrain and connect when turned on. Or is it better to just live with a slightly increased rendering time. Suggestions, pls. I'm leaning toward leaving Norton on. Better safe than sorry.

Message edited on: 03/20/2006 18:56

Turn-off that firewall and you're crazy! You could always just unplug from the landline ;-)

I'd leave norton on, unless you are physically disconnected from the network. This could be as simple as unplugging the network cable from either your computer or the modem.

The time for an unprotected windows machine to get infected is around 10 to 20 minutes at the moment... so you really do need to have protection running 24/7. Edit: Sorta crosspost with Len, I was trying to find the official numbers.

Message edited on: 03/20/2006 19:21

This is what I thought also; but I have read at this site of those who turn off everything to use every ounce of processor. They must have all been dial up as I was or their render machine is separated fm net somehow. With dial up there is no threat when not actually dial-up.

I will leave Norton on as I already figured the simpliest solution. Doesn't matter much since not much difference in a 10hr render or 12hr render.

Message edited on: 03/20/2006 21:14

I have dialup so I don't really know what is possible there but I do have 5 computers routed through an eithernet switch/hub which I want to be able to turn off once and a while. My hub/switch has a power cord to which I've connected an extension cord. I've installed an inline on/off switch (the type sometimes used on hanging lamps) on the extension cord; the on/off switch is within arms reach. I've been using it a couple of months and so far so good. So if you connect to the internet through a powered switch, hub or router you might be able to set up something similar so as to give you the privacy or whatever for rendering. ************************************************** I'd check with others about this. Although you shouldn't hurt your eithernet card or router by using a PROPERLY connected inline switch, I'm speculating that you might have problems with the internet connection if your computer or your service senses the internet connection is unplugged. **************************************************

An unprotected PC is toast once it is online. We (some friends and i) saw this when we hooked up a laptop to a network of large computerfair.

The last time i saw that many Trojans the Greeks where pouring out of large wooden horse, stabbing the lot of them.

Actually it was so fast that once we plugged the network cable and opened the lid it had already 5 virusreports on its screen. In just 5 minutes time it gathered 55 trojans and some 80 virusses. As experiment it was fun, but i don't want to think what would happen if this was a machine you are working on, this shit is rendering you computer useless within a couple of minutes.

SAVE HEX always, use a good virusscanner, hide behind a firewall, don't download from obscure sources, don't open attachements before testings, etc. etc.

My modem is on 24/7 (cable, 12mbit/1mbit) but the computers are powered down completely when i am not at home, did a complete virus test yesterday, clean. As for my firewall, about 32000 attempts to access my computer in the last 4 weeks. Some of those are legal, but most of them are not.

I just unplug the modem if I am not on the computer.

Robertj You're so right. I came back online after a year off from the net and the black hats had been quite busy!! I looked for the game Daemonsgate which I bought several years ago at egghead.(in the Long,long ago,no?) I got so many trojans and viri going to some sites googling the word (daemonsgate) that I immediately started a defensive plan. I found a good cheap firewall (trial) from Sunbelt. the ONLY thing wrong with it is they only accept Mastercard Vesa. AVG7 free, spybot, truesword, ad aware, no adaware,hijackthis,symantec's online site for two or three worms and about two dozen other sites. It took me 2 days to clean Hal-two of these parasites. I now know that XP SP2 firewall offers some protection as does AVG 7 spybot and AD AWARE but not even zone alarm offers the protection of Sunbelt(kerio?). but before the trial expires you either need to delete it or buy it or you will be horribly tortured and tormented with popups every 15 seconds from it trying to connect to sunbelt.

If your DSL is anything like mine, when you go to Network Connections you'll probably see that you have two connections, one LAN and one dial-up. The LAN connection is the link between the Ethernet port/card and the modem, and the "dial-up" connection to actually connect to the Internet.

Also, enter the properties of the "dial-up" and put the checkmark beside "Show icon in notification area when connected". That way you can simply right-click on the icon and say "Disconnect". (Do not check that for the LAN connection. You might also want to uncheck the option to tell you when the connection has no or limited connectivity.)

So, simply disconnect the Internet connection when you prepare for rendering. The fact that the cable is still plugged into your computer doesn't mean anything. You can exit both your antivirus and your firewall then. That's what I've been doing. And no, I haven't acquired any dubious guests.

OTOH, your DSL might be configured to connect as soon as Windows boot up. I'd disable that function and configure it to connect when I want. The actual connecting time is about one or two seconds as opposed to the dial-up's half a minute.

BTW, do create a desktop shortcut for the Internet connection that will enable you to easily connect again.

BTW 2, diable the windows firewall and install Zone Alarm. If you cannot afford a real full firewall, that's the way to go.

Message edited on: 03/21/2006 01:28

I'm on cable here in the uk. Luckely the cable modem has an on off switch so I just turn it off. As other people have said disconnecting it will have the same effect. I certainly wouldn't stay on line without my anti virus and firewall runing. i use zone alarm and it seems to do the job.

For starters, it's worth buying a router rather then just a dsl modem, that way you can protect yourself by using a NAT with specific MAC addressing. I reduced the hits on my PCs firewall by about 99% by inserting one, my router has a firewall with SSP/SPI as well. Second as others have mentioned, you can normally switch the connection off, I use my router to network render, so I actually use the control panel for the router to disconnect the DSL side.

Gog, MAC addressing is key. Your right on there, and I didn't think of router firewalls, but it's another reason to go the router route. Say, I've got a question for ya -to use DSL do you Need a DSL modem or can you get along with just a router? I'm finding more and more frustration with dial-up "speed". even with so called "acceleration" it's useless to download anything . . . so I'm thinking about it - providing I can get it to work with IXP over my LAN. - TJ

We have ADSL available in Australia, all you need is a modem or router/modem combo (mine is a wireless/wired router/modem with firewall). A simple router probably won't do DSL, but there should be a number of products that will do both jobs for you. Erlik - My modem connects to the ISP automatically, and provides net access to any computer that connects to it. Very simple plug and play stuff.

@skiwillgee, not long agao i changed over to dsl myself and had the same question going through my head so i asked an IT in the usa about it.

His words were, No matter how long you leave the modem router connected to the net no one can hack your computer if the computer is turned off. The ports on the computer will be closed so there is no access there for them to even try getting in.

Now i use dsl router which has a built in firewall, i also have win xp firewall running on my computer and that is it. On the wife's computer she uses win 2000 pro OS and runs Zone alarm as well as the router fire wall. We have both left our computers on for over 48 hours a couple of times and we have had no problems.

You can believe this or leave it if you like. No computer is safe, you can run all the firewalls you want and spyware scanners plus Anti-virus programs. If you are going to get hacked, a virus/trojan/worm or even spyware/malware it will happen
I run VET and Avast anti-virus and Ad-aware,spybot, windows defender and i had 7 Java exploits hit my computer no more than 40-45 minutes ago..

Now the only way you will ever stop anything like that happening is, stay off the net..

PS: Mate just get a good firewall, not nortons cause of a flaw in it..Just grab Zone Alarm set the security on medium on it if you use xp have the firewall on that running at all times and Bobs your Uncle :) By the way best firewall i have ever used and still would if i could afford it was BlackIce deffender. Even Hackers rated that at #1 for 3 years running in 2005.

Message edited on: 03/21/2006 05:35

Since I got dsl I still use it like dial-up. That is, when I'm not on the net I shutdown my AOL. Nobody can hack me if I'm not on line.....

TKS FOR ALL THE INPUT. I THINK I'LL LOOK INTO ROUTER THING. I HAVE SEVERAL MONTHS LEFT ON NORTON LIVE UPDATE SUBSCRIPTION SO I'LL KEEP IT FOR A WHILE. I AM NOW DISABLING INTERNET CONNECTION VIA 'CONTROL PANEL' EXCEPT WHEN I'M ACTUALLY ON THE NET. THIS SEEMS TO RESPOND ALMOST INSTANTLY WHERE UNPOWERING MODEM TAKES A FEW MINUTES SOMETIMES. THIS ALSO ASSURES THAT NORTON PROGRAM IS FULLY LOADED AND RUNNING AT STARTUP BEFORE ANY INTERNET CONNECTIONS ARE ENABLED. I GOOGLED BLACKICE DEFENDER. IT IS ABOUT HALF THE COST OF NORTON INTERNET SECURITY AND A-VIRUS.

I don't know what you mean with the last sentence, so: a firewall is not a replacement either for an antivirus or anti-spyware program. Neither is a router. BTW, that's why I said you create a desktop shortcut for the connection - double clicking on a shortcut is easier than going to Control Panel.

To bad you have to use all these things these days, use a firewall, scanner.. Internet-Paranoia in just 12 easy lessons o_O

@ erlik yes, I created short cut. It is much easier that way. The thing I'll have to train myself and kids to do is always disable connection before powering down 'puter. Otherwise it is remembered in shut-down settings to be on. Is there a way to force manual turning on hi-speed connection at each startup? Symantec's "norton internet security" includes firewall, anti-virus, spam blocker, and parental control.

If you use nortons internet security or their firewall just don't use IRC or pray you don't get an email with one of two words in the subject line or part of the email.

Now the IRC part i know about but i have only heard about the problem happening with the words in an email from a couple of young people. I won't place them here because there might be some silly person that will go using them on irc to see what happens.

Message edited on: 03/21/2006 22:51

"The thing I'll have to train myself and kids to do is always disable connection before powering down 'puter. Otherwise it is remembered in shut-down settings to be on." Huh? There's been a time or two (or five) when I shut down my computer with the connection still live. And no, it didn't come up at the boot time. Yours does that because it's written somewhere. To disable it (from Microsoft): Remove Programs That Dial into Your ISP from the StartUp Folder Remove the programs that automatically check for updated components or Web pages from the StartUp folder: 1. Right-click Start, and then click Open. 2. Double-click the Programs folder. 3. Double-click the Startup folder. 4. Drag the programs that automatically check for updated components or Web pages from the Startup folder to another folder. When you do this, the programs are prevented from starting when Windows 95 or Windows 98 starts. To start the program after you move it from the Startup folder, locate and click the program on the Start menu. Registry Entry Is Set to Dial To resolve this issue, configure Internet Explorer to not connect by using a modem, or set the value in the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftOLEEnableRemoteConnect registry key to N. WARNING: Some programs may configure the registry to dial automatically, and altering this registry value may impact these program's functionality. To set the value in the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftOLEEnableRemoteConnect registry key to N: 1. Click Start, click Run, type regedit in the Open box, and then press ENTER. 2. Locate and click the following registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftOLEEnableRemoteConnect 3. In the EnableRemoteConnect registry key, right-click the value in the right pane, click Rename, and then type N. How to Remove the MSDTC Service from the StartUp Folder To remove the MSDTC service from the StartUp folder: 1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Taskbar & Start Menu. 2. On the Start Menu Programs tab, click Remove. 3. Double-click the StartUp folder. 4. Click the MSDTC service, and then click Remove. 5. Click Close, click OK, and then restart your computer. If you do not want to remove the MSDTC service from the StartUp folder, configure Internet Explorer to connect to your ISP by using a local area network (LAN). When you want to connect to the Internet, first connect to your ISP by using Dial-Up Networking, and then start Internet Explorer. To configure Internet Explorer to use a LAN: 1. Right-click the Internet Explorer icon on your desktop, and then click Properties. 2. On the Connection tab, click Connect to the Internet using a local area network, and then click OK. NOTE: If the MSDTC service is not loaded from the StartUp folder, remove the Msdtc value from the registry. To do this: 1. Click Start, click Run, type regedit in the Open box, and then press ENTER. 2. Locate and click the following registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRunServices 3. In the RunServices registry key, right-click the Msdtc value in the right pane, and then click Delete. All from http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q175312/.

"Registry Entry Is Set to Dial To resolve this issue, configure Internet Explorer to not connect by using a modem, or set the value in the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftOLEEnableRemoteConnect registry key to N. WARNING: Some programs may configure the registry to dial automatically, and altering this registry value may impact these program's functionality. "To set the value in the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftOLEEnableRemoteConnect registry key to N: 1. Click Start, click Run, type regedit in the Open box, and then press ENTER. 2. Locate and click the following registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftOLEEnableRemoteConnect 3. In the EnableRemoteConnect registry key, right-click the value in the right pane, click Rename, and then type N." my time to say "huh?' Sorry, but I'm guess I'm too old school or just old. Computers were big things with tape drives in huge rooms when I was in school. I remember when calculators were mechanical. I remember when a friend bought an electronic calculator and paid over $100. I was not teethed on programing and microsoft as my kids are now. I'll drop this subject and just turn it off via shortcut. I'm begining to feel laughed at. Willie

Sorry about above post. I'm not comfortable messing around in registry especially if it is carrying a warning.

No, you're not laughed at. While I do feel comfortable messing around in registry, I had to look up how to turn off the boot-connection thingy.

There's no shame in being nervous of the registry, I'm a programmer and I still get nervous when playing with the registry, it's a core thing to windows and windows is such a stable OS ;)

Yeah, you can do some real damage in the registry. It's one of the blackhat hacker's favorite playtoys. for example you can turn on or off all your computer's services independant of user permission. If you're going to play with the registry, back up the registry first.