Cyberweb Solutions - Internet Connections & Security

General Computer Information
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This document provides general information and is NOT intended to replace professional advise. Nor should you base any decisions without further investigation, as this document will simply alert you to possible action items. In addition technology changes rapidly and this document does NOT claim to up-to-date.

Sections:

Internet Connections
Internet Security
Backup Options
Networking
What to do if I have or think I have a virus?
(Reading this section can help you prepare for the unfortunate event)

Internet Connections

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The most common internet connections found in a home, home office, small business and even medium business are:

R = Residential || HO = Home Office || SO = Small Office || MB = Medium Business
Kbps = Kilobits per second || Mbps = Megabits per second || There are 1,000 Kbps in 1 Mbps
(There are 8 bits per 1 byte, so 120 Kbps would equal 15 KiloBytes (120 divided by 8). Bytes are respresented by an upper case B and bits by a lower case b.)

Name:	Speed & Location:	Notes & Comments:	Time To Download 50MB File
Dialup	up to 56 Kbps (combined upstream and downstream) R, HO, SO	The most common type of connection to the internet. However you can NOT talk on the phone line at the same time. It can be cheaper than DSL and cable if you don't have a second (dedicated) line. This method is slow and can be very unreliable, but it is abundant. You must also wait for the modem to connect each time you want to use it. This is the only method listed that has a combined up and downstream meaning getting (downloading) and sending (uploading) information to internet effects each other.	@56: 119 minutes (almost 2 hours)
DSL (Digital Subscriber's Line)	128 Kbps to 10 Mbps downstream with up to 3 upstream. (separate upstream and downstream) R, HO, SO, MO	This type is always on and ready to go. You can talk on the phone line at the same time. This option is fast and can be cheaper than dialup with a second phone line. In addition, this method can easily handle multiple computers without a problem and is great for sending video and audio through the internet.	@3Mbps: 2 minutes and 15 seconds
Cable	256 Kbps to 12 Mbps downstream with 1Mbps downstream being common. (seperate upstream and downstream) R, HO, SO, MO (Some cable providers are providing fiber optic cable with speeds up to 30 Mbps downstream and 5 Mbps upstream)	The most common type of high speed connection to the internet. Cable is high speed, always "on" and doesn't tie up your phone line. The biggest disadvantage with cable is pool sharing. Most cable systems will place you in a group with other cable users in your area. This means as more people get on the internet, with their cable modems, your speed decreases. You are also prone to easy hacking from people within your pool. In addition if a hacker breaks into your neighbor's computer he could hack through their computer to your's. Newer cable systems are slowly being introduced that do not use pools. You can also protect yourself with hardware firewalls/routers.	@3Mbps: 2 minutes and 15 seconds
Satellite	128 Kbps to 2 Mbps downstream. Around 500 Kbps downstream common (separate upstream and downstream) R, HO, SO	The new satellite systems do not need a phone line so they are always "on" and ready to go. They do not tie your phone line and can be installed just about anyway. The disadvantages are they are typically slower than DSL and cable, prone to interference from storms and have bigger latency. Latency is a factor with gamers.	@500 Kbps: 13 minutes and 20 seconds

In addition there are other broadband Internet technologies such as via cell networks, straight ethernet and through electrical companies, however these methods are not as widely available as the fore mentioned ones. When you use a high speed connection you don't have to tie your phone line, thus eliminating the need for a second one. You will be able to download files and web pages faster, thus saving time. You don't have to wait for the modem to connect or worry about drop offs saving both time and frustration. Unfortunately cable isn't available in all locations and DSL in even less. If you have a clear shot of the southern sky (for those living in the northern hemisphere) or northern sky (for those living in the southern hemisphere) chances are you can get a satellite modem. If you can afford it a high speed connection is differently worth the money in this digital age. You will quickly realize how a high speed connection will change your life and will wonder how you ever survived on slow, painful dailup.

Note: Of course there are many professional grade internet connections such as T1, T3, DS3, OC-12, OC-48, OC-192, etc. A T1 is 1.544Mbps both ways. So one can download 1.544Mbps of information at the sametime they are uploading 1.544Mbps of information.

Internet Security - For all computer systems (Windows, Mac, Linux, Solaris, etc)

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Most people do not take this issue very seriously and while there is no reason to lose sleep over your internet security it isn't something that should be ignored. Many people say things like "It won't happen to me", "I will becareful", "Who would want to target me", "I have nothing hackers would want", etc. Okay, fair enough you probably don't have national secrets or top secret information sitting on your computer. Now let us ask you this, "If you lost all your information on your computer how would you feel?" This includes all your Word documents, personal/business photos, financial records, etc. How would you feel?

Or what if someone did start viewing your files? Regardless of their importance to the world. Would you like that? We are sure in both cases you wouldn't be very happy and probably feel victimized. So you think you aren't a target? Well, did you know the average hacker is 13 years old, uses downloaded tools, has free time and then some? Did you know there are computer programs that run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year scanning for victims? Internet security experts estimate that the average computer will be violated within 24 hours of connecting it to the internet, unless protected.

Now we aren't trying to scare you or want you to stop using the internet. In fact just the opposite, but the internet is much like a car. You need to take precautions and limit your risk. So what can you do? The kind of setup you are using to access the internet will determine the specific security measures you should implement. However, there are some generic protections that every one should be observating.

Everyone should,
1. have AntiVirus software installed and keep it updated regularly. Also having more than one AntiVirus program doesn't hurt since different companies update their products at different intervals. Lucikly with the internet, updating AntiVirus is easy and in many cases is done automatically for you. It is also highly recommended you turn on real time scanning to scan for e-mail attachments, files, etc. If you do have multiple AntiVirus programs it is suggested only one perform real time scanning.
2. have AntiSpyware software installed and keep it updated regularly. Lucikly with the internet, updating AntiSpyware is easy and in many cases is done automatically for you. It is also highly recommended you turn on real time scanning to scan for e-mail attachments, files, etc.
3. scan all e-mail attachments before opening. E-mail is now the most common way to get and spread virus.
4. adopt smart policies such as NEVER opening attachments from people you do not know. This should also include not opening attachments from people you do know, unless they mentioned they were going to send a file. Why this suggestion? As mentioned e-mail is the most common way to spread viruses and if a known person's computer becomes infected it might automatically e-mail you an infected file.
5. NOT pass out personal information unless absolutely necessary. Just because a website wants a specific piece of information doesn't mean you should obiage them.
6. backup your data often, including to systems outside your immediate computer. For further details on backup solutions and options see our Backup section.
If you want extra security or have an always "on" modem such cable, DSL, etc (basically anything but dialup) you should invest in a hardware firewall system to help protect your data. The good news is that many of these providers offer and support hardware firewalls. Some manufacturers for 3rd party hardware firewalls are SMC - http://www.smc.com, DLink - http://www.dlink.com and Netgear - http://www.netgear.com, however there are many more. We do NOT recommend Linksys products.

We strongly suggest this type of security for always "on" connections because you will be connected to the Internet more, thus increasing your chances or viruses, spyware, hackers and other evil doers. See our Networking for further details on such devices. This method will help add protection if you do not have an always "on" connection like dial up. It never hurts to play it safe.

Keep in mind security is NOT a destination but a journey. If you are still concerned about your internet security and/or need help seek professional assistance.
Backup Options - For all computer systems (Windows, Mac, Linux, Solaris, etc)

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This is a very important step. Who wants to lose their personal data that took months and even years to gather and create? Personal data here is defined as anything created due to your actions such as downloaded files, word processor documents, digital pictures, saved game files, presentation files, financial records (example from Quickbooks), contact manager databases (example from ACT), bookmarks/favorites, etc.

So what are your options for backing up and how often should it be done? First lets look at the options:
1. Copying to another location on the computer.
  
  One way is to copy the files and folders to another (backup) folder on your computer. This will help protect your data from accidental deletion and alternations but does little for any other kind of disaster, like a hard drive crash.
2. Zip Disks:
  
  A method that isn't used much anymore. However zip disks do provide protection from hard drive crashes, alternations, accidental deletions, electrical storm damage, etc due to the fact you are able to remove the disks from the computer once backing up is complete. New zip disks can hold more information than a CD. One draw back is over time they can suffer from signal loss as well as magnetic interference.
3. CD-ROM Writers:
  
  This method also known as burning writes information onto a CD-ROM disc. CD-ROM writable discs come in two formats CD-R, one time writing, and CD-RW, rewritable. Modern software makes backing up to CD's a breeze, especially for Mac OSX and higher and Windows XP and higher users. CD's have all the advantages of Zip disks but do not suffer from magnetic interference or loss of signal over time.
4. DVD Writers:
  
  This method is similar to CD-ROM writing (burning) but uses the DVD format. DVD's can hold a lot more data than a CD-ROM. The average CD-ROM holds 650 to 700 MB while the average DVD holds 4,700 to 5,200 MB (or 4.7 GB to 5.2 GB). In addition DVD burners can create both DVD's and CD-ROM's. DVD burners can also create movies for your standard DVD player.
5. Network Drive:
  
  This method involves a network or the Internet. If you have a home or business network you can backup your information onto another computer or network drive device. If you do not have a network there are services such as Xdrive and .Mac that allow you to backup files to a remote computer. You will find it cheaper to backup using your own network, however this involves more technical knowledge. There are also systems you can buy that will make this process much easier. See our Network section for more on networks. You can also seek professional help.
6. External Hard Drive:
  
  This is now the most common method for SOHO backing up. In this method you attach an external hard drive, usually USB 2.0 or Firewire, to your computer. Once connected your computer should be able to access the drive and you can backup your information. For the best backup protection you shouldn't leave the drive connected, but rather connect it to backup the necessary information and disconnect it from the computer and power. Why do this? Well if you leave your backup drive always connected to your computer run the risk of lightning, viruses, hackers and other dangers causing damage to your backup data. You want to isolate the backup drive and only use it when backing up or restoring. You can also use a backup drive, like this, to backup multiple computers; simply create folders for each computer. Many external drives now include 100's of GB's. Also some external drive allow you to connect to them to a network for easy backing up of multiple computers.
7. External Storage Device:
  
  This method is similar to the external hard drive and basically it is an external hard drive, however we wanted to note there are many "pocket" storage devices and the growing flash drive market. This is a method that could be used like a traditional external hard drive.
8. Tape Backup:
  
  This method is the professional method of backing up data on large systems, although disk to disk (SAN/NAS) systems are gaining. This method uses a special drive (usually referred to as a DAT drive) and tape to backup large amounts of information. Some of these tapes can hold 100's of GB of data. Small offices and home users do not usually need the high end DAT drives but if you want the best protection, have mission critical information, etc you can purchase low end DAT drives for a few hundred dollars. DAT tapes usually cost around $40 to $60 dollars per tape which typcially will hold around 70 to 90GB compressed. DAT tapes can be inexpensive (less than $60 for a 200GB tape). However drive will cost more to support larger tapes. When buying DAT equipement you have to becareful. This method is similar to ZIP drives and tapes. You can't use a ZIP 750MB disk in a ZIP 100MB drive. The same is true for DAT.
This covers the common desktop backup methods, however if you are looking for more advanced methods there are systems called RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive/Independent Disks) that contains 10 different levels, Jazz drives, DAT drives (discussed above) and more. If you are looking for more advanced options we suggest you seek the help of a professional or professional company.

How often you should backup your data depends on how much and how often you create personal data. It is suggested you perform a full backup at least once a month and partial backups every week or daily. If you add important files or make important changes to files you would be wise to backup your data. There are many programs available that make backing up easy and automatic. As always you may seek professional help.

This is YOUR data we are talking about, why take changes?!
Networking - For all computer systems (Windows, Mac, Linux, Solaris, etc)

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Networking is simply the joining of two or more computers to share resources. Resources include printers, scanners, hard drives, CD-ROM burners, DVD drives, internet connections, etc. You should see the advantage of a network from the previous sentence. If you have a network you don't need to worry about each computer having its own internet connection, buying printers for every computer, etc. It is also much easier to backup your information. So what options are available for networking your computers together? Let's take a look at the popular methods:
- Dedicated RJ45 Cat 5(e)
  
  This is by far the best method. As this is a dedicated network with no other phones, fax machines, or anything else sharing the system. It is the fastest of all options and allows for best security and least chance of interferance. The drawback it is you must run cables through the building to a central point for a switch or hub. This is the best kind of network and is the only network model here where cables must be run.
- Wireless Connection
  
  This is one of the easiest ways of networking. This system works much like a cordless phone. You setup a "base" station, called an access point, and then each computer gets a special wireless card. The drawback to this method is it can be very slow, is prone to interference (example Microwave) and can be a security risk due to information being passed through the airways, in improper setups.
- Telephone Connection
  
  This method uses your existing phone lines to make a network. You simply plug a special connector into a telephone jack by each computer. The drawback to this method is its slow and since it shares the line with phones and other devices it is prone to interference.
- Electrical Connection
  
  This method is similar to the telephone connection but uses your electrical lines instead. The drawback to this method is its slower than dedicated RJ45 and is prone to interference.
If you wish to plug two computers together you may simply connect the two computers to each other (of course this must be done properly). However if you wish to share three or more computers and/or additional devices, (called nodes) like a network printer, you will need a hub or switch. What is a hub or switch? An easy way to understand this is to use the railroad. Each computer has its own rail line that leaves the computer and runs to a rail yard. The railyard is where all lines met. A switch or hub is the computer equilvant to a railyard. It is recommended you always use a switch over a hub.

The reason is a switch is a more powerful device. To illustrate this point think of a highway. If you have an 8 port (meaning eight computers or nodes can connect to it) hub each computer must share with all other computers. This is like having 8 cars behind each other on a one lane road. Now in a switch every computer gets its own "lane". So in our example all 8 cars would have their own lane. This way it doesn't matter if one lane is slow the others will not be slowed with it.

The final piece of advice is to get a hardware firewall router. This device will help protect your data from hackers and evil doers. The good news you can get a switch built into a hardware firewall router unit so its all in one piece. The suggested manufacturer is SMC - http://www.smc.com.

It should also be noted you can network computers together with different operating systems. This means you may have some Windows computers, some Mac computers and even a Unix computer or two. Whether you setup your own network or have one installed professionally you will quickly realize the advantages and will wonder how you lived without it!
What to do if I have or think I have a virus? - For all computer systems (Windows, Mac, Linux, Solaris, etc)

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This first item to remember in this situation, which actually covers all situations, is NOT to panic. One of the worse things you can do is start randomly deleting files and/or changing settings, information or files. This could actually cause more damage than the virus/trojan horse.

It is important to remember that many viruses do not cause damage to your information or system, but rather annoy you. For example, play a special screensaver every Friday the 13th. Below outlines the steps that should be taken if you have a virus or think you a virus.
1. If you have AntiVirus installed scan your computer to see if it can detect the virus(es). If you do not or even if you have AntiVirus and believe a virus/trojan horse still exists proceed to the next step. If your AntiVirus program removed the virus/trojan horse and you are satisfied your computer is virus/trojan horse free you may stop here.
2. Turn off your computer by hitting the power button to power down the system. Do NOT use "Start", "Shutdown" or whatever normal method is used for your OS (Operation System). Why? Some viruses are told to perform tasks when you shutdown your computer.
3. You need to find a boot disk. Most modern operating systems (Windows, Mac, Solaris, Linux, etc) make creating a boot disk easy. In addition, most AntiVirus include boot disks. Another method is to locate the installation disk for your operating system as this typically contains a boot disk.
  
  DO NOT create a boot disk using an infected computer (or one that is thought to be infected) as this may spread the virus and/or cause additional harm.
4. Start the computer using your boot disk. You need to make sure your computer actually uses the boot disk. Many computers are set to ignore boot drives, so please double check. It is important you use a boot disk as this will make sure no viruses or trojans are loaded (started) when you turn on the computer.
5. Now you need to scan your computer with an AntiVirus program that is current. Most AntiVirus programs include a way to scan the computer without the need to install it. If you already have an AntiVirus program installed you may run it now, this way you know no viruses or trojans are interfering with the program.
  
  It doesn't hurt to scan with more than one AntiVirus program and/or scan at least twice with the same one. This way in case something is missed the first time hopefully it will be detected with the second scan or second AntiVirus program.
6. Once repaired (disinfected) simply reboot your computer as normal (without the boot disk).
Computer AntiVirus procedures are much like biological ones (the ones that infect you). An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. While nothing is foolproof it is strongly suggested you have an AntiVirus program installed, keep it updated, scan your computer often, scan all e-mail attachments and files you receive and allow for real time scanning. It is much easier to prevent a virus than to clean up after one!