Router Security — Wired & Wireless Routers

Reader Scott Adler wrote recently to tell me about an interesting article on cable/DSL router security. I found it interesting that the mainstream computer media, in this case it was an article at CNET News.com, that was warning people to change the default password on their cable and DSL routers.

For a long time, my security recommendations for wired and wireless routers include the recommendation that you change the password on the router from the default to one of your choice..

What’s the default password for a router? It’s the password that you have to enter to edit the router settings. Many users use their router’s default password to set up the router initially. Then, they forget all about changing the password — or they worry that they won’t remember it so they decide not to change it.

Why is it important to change the router’s password? You should change the password because it’s one more door that can be locked to protect your computer and your Internet computing.

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Terry’s Computer Tips newsletters April 13th

This week’s email and on-line newsletters are now available:
*   free weekly Terry”s Computer Tips email newsletter
*   weekly on-line Terry”s Computer Tips newsletter

This week’s online articles include:

*   Internet Speed Tests

*   Updates Last Week

*   HTML Email Viewers

LifeLock Identity Theft Prevention

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New articles at Terry’s Computer Tips

Terry’s Computer Tips newsletters October 21st

This week’s email and on-line newsletters are now available:
*   free weekly Terry”s Computer Tips email newsletter
*   weekly on-line Terry”s Computer Tips newsletter

This week’s online articles include:
*   Windows XP Service Pack 3 - a Warning
Do you really want to try the beta version?

*   Updates Last Week

I watch a few operating systems and programs for updates — mainly because these are the ones that I use or in which I am interested. What updates or versions were new last week?

*   Setting Up Your Router

There are a few security settings we should change on both wired and wireless routers…

*   Securing Your Wireless Network - Securing Your Wireless Router
You’ve got it working … now you need to fix the security…

*   My Computer Security Software Recommendations
Want to know which Antivirus program I recommend? Which firewall program? Which Antispyware program? Which Antispam? Or, which router for your home network?

*   Outlook Express - Problem Compacting Email Folders
We need to compact our email folders occasionally, but what if that doesn’t work?

If you subscribe to the email newsletter now, you will get instructions on how to request automatic free copies of the two most recent issues.

Get NOD32 Antivirus for 25% Off with 2-Year Purchase!

New Year’s Resolutions for Computer Users

Six months ago, in my December 24, 2006 Terry’s Computer Tips email newsletter, I published this list of New Year’s resolutions for computer users.

Now, it’s time to see how you’ve done… Click on “Comments” (in the light gray text above) and let me know…

As we’re approaching New Year’s Day and our opportunity to make those resolutions for the ways we’re going to improve our lifestyle in the next year, here are some resolution ideas you might want to consider:

1) I will learn more about my computer

2) I will learn more about the software that I use regularly.

3) I will learn new tricks and tips for using Windows itself.

4) I will try new things in Windows and my software — without having a book or a friend tell me what to do.

5) I will learn more about my computer’s hardware.

6) I will buy an external hard drive so that I can create a backup that I can store AWAY from my computer.

7) I will email my new friends and old friends.

8) I will keep current versions of anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti-spam programs running on my computer.

9) I will try using Firefox to surf the web instead of always using Internet Explorer.

10) I will not use email “stationery” no matter how cute it looks.

11) I will not be a Microsoft beta-tester. I will wait until Microsoft has released at least the second set of monthly patches for Windows Vista and Office 2007 before I buy a new computer that has them installed or purchase them for installation on my computer.

12) I will find and join a local computer users group (computer club) to learn more about my computer, Windows and the software I use. Many computer stores can tell you how to contact your local computer users group. You can also check www.apcug.net to find a users group near you (US and International, too) that have registered with APCUG, the Association of Personal Computer Users Groups. Read more about computer user groups

Terry’s Computer Tips newsletters May 6th

This week’s email and on-line newsletters are now available:

This week’s online articles include:

If you subscribe to the email newsletter now, you will get instructions on how to request automatic free copies of the two most recent issues.

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