Only if you have Windows 98 or before and/or have no firewall and don't use a password (or have one very easy to guess) for the computer's default or admin account, then theoretically, yes. But, I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.
http://tinyurl.com/2mqerv Windows XP SP2 and Vista's firewalls are on by default, as is OS X. Simply by using a router behind the modem you typically block all incoming ports. Some routers also stealth the ports, meaning it doesn't respond to port scans. DSL has always been a dedicated connection to the CO and doesn't have this shared configuration. The tiny Westel modems that Verizon uses has a built-in firewall, but it is off by default and Verizon doesn't even tell you about it. When I set up a relative's DSL, I guessed the modem's IP address and login and turned it on. I then changed the modem's easy-to-guess password. Regardless, you should still use a firewall on your computer, no matter the OS. > -----Original Message----- > I have been told that when you use cable for your broadband connection, > your neighborhood becomes a small network. If you are not careful, > your > neighbors can access your computer. Is this true? Is this true with > DSL? ************************************************************************ * ==> QUICK LIST-COMMAND REFERENCE - Put the following commands in <== * ==> the body of an email & send 'em to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <== * Join the list: SUBSCRIBE COMPUTERGUYS-L Your Name * Too much mail? Try Daily Digests command: SET COMPUTERGUYS-L DIGEST * Tired of the List? Unsubscribe command: SIGNOFF COMPUTERGUYS-L * New address? From OLD address send: CHANGE COMPUTERGUYS-L YourNewAddress * Need more help? Send mail to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ************************************************************************ * List archive at www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ * RSS at www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/maillist.xml * Messages bearing the header "X-No-Archive: yes" will not be archived ************************************************************************
