I have only one computer, do I need Network Access Protection?

Question

I have only one computer, do I need Network Access Protection?

Anonymous

What network access do I need protection for? I don't think I need it for only one computer, it's not like I have a need for a network for my pc to other devices I have connected to my pc, like All-In-One printer, LogiTech Web Cam, Headset Microphone, GigaWare stand alone microphone, or MagicJack connection, OR DO I?

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Answer 1

The best network protection is to have a router which gives a hardware firewall and turn on the Windows firewall even if you only have one computer. Most folks have either cable or DSL connections and with these your computer is ALWAYS connected to the Internet. This makes it easy for hackers to get into your computer if you don't have good firewall protection. The Windows software firewall is free and you can buy routers these days for as little as $15. If you're using a wireless connection (like with a laptop), you also want to be sure that your connection is encrypted with something like WPA-2. If you do all these things, you'll be in good shape. If not, you're taking unnecessary risks.

Good luck.

Answer 2

If your talking about Network Access Protection (NAP)...

Network Access Protection [NAP] is a function of Windows Server 2008 so unless your logging into a domain locally or remotely you really don't need to worry about this.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/What-is-Network-Access-Protection

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/server-cloud/windows-server/network-access-protection-nap.aspx

...or are you asking about general network security/protection?

If its the latter then Hula_Baloo's comments are well taken. In addtion make sure you run a software firewall on your Windows 7 computer, ie. the native Windows Firewall is good, run a good anti-virus program, ie. Microsoft Security Essentials is good, and set your network to Public for your standalone computer (connected directly to the public internet) to disable file/print sharing and network discovery.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/search#q=firewall

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/products/security-essentials

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Choosing-a-network-location

Answer 3

You should call Wild Blue to see, but I'd say it probably is a router. One thing you could do would be to do an IPCONFIG from the command prompt. Hold down the Windows key and press R. Then type in CMD and hit enter. From the Command prompt, type IPCONFIG, then scroll back up and find "Default Gateway". If this starts with 192.168. you have a router in all likelyhood. Still I'd call Wild Blue to be sure.

Good luck.

I did as you instructed, the result was Defalut Gateway 184.20.1. I am guessing it means not a router? However I will be contacting Wild Blue to ask.

By the way I asked a new question this morning, if you get a chance to take a look at it, if you can't access it I can copy and repost.

Thanks

Answer 4

You should call Wild Blue to see, but I'd say it probably is a router. One thing you could do would be to do an IPCONFIG from the command prompt. Hold down the Windows key and press R. Then type in CMD and hit enter. From the Command prompt, type IPCONFIG, then scroll back up and find "Default Gateway". If this starts with 192.168. you have a router in all likelyhood. Still I'd call Wild Blue to be sure.

Good luck.

Answer 5

Thanks, Hula_Baloo,

I will have to ask Wild Blue Satellite Internet if the ViaSat tower they hooked up to my PC is also a router.

The sat dish is hooked up to a white cable that runs into the house to connect to the back of the ViaSat tower, that has a blue cord connected to the back of it in a phone jack looking connector, the blue cord then runs from the ViaSat to my PC into another phone jack looking connection to recieve the Wild Blue internet signal. I know obviously I'm not a tech and the terms may not be the best description names, but maybe this will help;

Wild Blue Sat Dish >-white cable--->ViaSat>--blue cord-->PC

Any Wild Blue Techs Know if the ViaSat is a router?

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I have only one computer, do I need Network Access Protection?

6 additional answers