ActionTec R1524SU, User Manual, Page: 123 / 147

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Action tec Wireless-Ready DSL Gateway User Manual
Unlike a dial-up modem,
DSL
service is “always connected.” The connection is
always available – there is no need to dial a phone number to access the Internet.
The computer can be connected to the Internet all the time.
With both types of Internet connections, access to the computer must be con-
trolled to make sure someone on the Internet doesn’t access the information on
the computer. The longer the computer is connected to the Internet, the easier it is
for someone on the Internet to find the computer and attempt to access it without
permission.
DSL
service also provides fast Internet connections. This not only
improves Internet performance, it also improves Internet performance for anyone
attempting to access the computer.
Gateway Security
If connecting to the
ISP
through Point-to-Point Protocol (
PPP
), be sure to provide
the Gateway an administrative password. If a password is not set, someone on the
Internet can access the Gateway and change its configuration or steal your
PPP
login name and password. For instructions on setting the password, see the
“Advanced Setup chapter.
If connecting to the
ISP
through bridging mode, the Gateway should be safe from
unwarranted and illegal intrusion.
Computer Security
To protect the valuable information on the computer, review the following topics.
These topics cover software programs and operating system features affecting the
security of the computer’s data.
Anti-Virus Programs
The computer should have an anti-virus program, and the virus definitions
should be updated on a regular basis – at least once a month.
E-Mail Attachments
Never run a program received as an attachment to an e-mail message unless the