Re: Linksys firewall question

From: Vanessa (vrstern_at_earthlink.net)
Date: 10/12/04 

Date: Tue, 12 Oct 2004 20:26:37 GMT

"Leythos" <void@nowhere.org> wrote in message
news:MPG.1bd5e9f49c8808c7989845@news-server.columbus.rr.com...
> In article <7rSad.3091$UR6.1154@trndny07>, vrstern@earthlink.net says...
> > I have a Linksys wired router on our home network. My son's computer is
> > running WinXP SP1 with the built-in firewall disabled. I know the
router
> > has a firewall built into it. I am planning to open a port so that my
son
> > can play one of his games over the internet with his friends. What I
don't
> > know is how that may affect us security-wise. Should I close the port
> > between games? Should I put a software firewall on his computer? If
so,
> > how should I set it up for his gaming?
>
> There are very few games that require the opening of ports in your
> ROUTER (which is NOT a firewall). For instance, Counter-Strike, or any
> of the "Steam" games, don't require you to open ports to play on the
> servers located on the internet.
>
> If you son wants to HOST (his computer acts as the server) then you will
> need to open ports to that ANYONE on the internet can reach his computer
> through the ports.
>
> Now, the router does not have a firewall, it only routes packets from
> the internet to the internal device (IP) that you setup forwarding rules
> for. Keep in mind that ANYONE/ANYTHING on the internet can access the
> computer that you forward ports too, but only on those ports.
>
> How about you tell us what Game, what ports, and we'll tell you if he's
> pulling a fast one on you.
>
> One other thing, there is very little reason for your son to setup his
> PC as a game server (where he hosts the game). Most of the games have
> public servers that anyone can play on.

Yes, you are right. He has been playing over the internet games that his
friends have created and invited him to join. He wants to be able to create
and host his own games. We are specifically talking about Blizzard's War
Craft, which uses port 6112 (although I think I can change that default to
whatever - I've seen port 80 mentioned). I have also forwarded ports 20 and
21 which I need in order to FTP files to my web server. I am running the
free ZoneAlarm on my Win98SE machine. Should I put a s/w firewall on his
machine and, if so, which (preferably free) one is recommended? I like
ZoneAlarm and have seen positive comments about Kerio. I have not yet
upgraded his XP machine to SP2.

Vanessa

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