>Chris, this is overkill for William, at least for his precise scenario, >even for the paranoid. ;-) > >I would never bother to run a software firewall on a Mac powerbook for >connecting on "open wireless" networks. Maybe in the future when there >are valid OS X threats, but paranoia for an OS 8 user is over the top. >What is he going to catch? .Scores? ;-)
I 100% agree with you. I too would not run a software firewall on any OS 9 or earlier Mac (Not unless I was doing something that I really needed to be sure was safe... but then I wouldn't do that over an open wireless network!) The headaches a software solution will likely add will not be worth the security benefit you gain (which is really nothing more then piece of mind in this situation). But William did ask, and so I answered. I guess I could have gone into better detail telling him he didn't have to bother with a firewall at all for his setup, but why bother, you had those bases covered ;-) > Its fun, travel to a city, get in a car, drive around >until I get a network, and get on line. Seems like any residential >neighborhood has plenty of free acess. You want real fun... go buy a cheap X-10 wireless camera setup... then connect the receiving base to a portable TV and drive around... it is amazing the number of people that have cameras in their homes broadcasting for all to see. >You can even buy a little pocket device to tell you when there are 802.11 >networks around. I made a suggestion to them to have it only detect >"open" networks, which they loved. I can't wait. ;-) I've got one of those keychain 802.11 detectors. It sucks. I'm very disappointed with it. However, if I can isolate that it is in fact only picking up open networks, then my disappointment may change to extreme happiness with it. The directions do not indicate that it only picks up open networks. Basically, it reports 3-4 bars in my house. I have an 802.11g WPA encrypted network. It reported ZERO service available when I tested it after installing 3- cisco 1100 series WAPs in an office (near 100% coverage of the entire office, and the keychain could find no singal). The Cisco's were setup to use WPA as well. So either, the item is totally unreliable in its ability to find networks... OR it is reporting a much stronger signal for my house then it should on an open network (my neighbor has a weak, but present, wireless print server that is open). I haven't had enough time to take it to an isolated wireless free zone, and setup an access point to see if it is only doing open networks. If it is, then I like it very much, as it is very sensitive to them. If it isn't just picking up open networks, then it sucks and is a hunk of unreliable junk. -chris <http://www.mythtech.net> ___________________________________________________________________________ To unsubscribe send a mail message with a SUBJECT line of "unsubscribe" to <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> or <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
