Thursday, May 30, 2013

Internet Security: How to implement Hardware and Software Firewall

There are two kinds of firewalls: software and hardware firewalls. Although both provide similar benefits, a hardware firewall is more efficient and cost effective when you want to protect more than one computer. Firewalls are essential to implementing efficient Internet Security.

What is it?

A hardware firewall is a device that is placed between an Internet connection and a network. Computers connect to the Internet via the network. But all data coming in will first be checked by the firewall.  A firewall has the ability to check data entering into a computer through an Internet connection. If the source of the data is not reputable, the firewall will prevent it from being downloaded. A firewall also has the ability to identify and block inbound scans that hackers use to exploit security holes within a network. 


Using a Hardware Firewall for Internet Security

When setting up a hardware firewall, it is important that it is configured properly. If not properly configured, the firewall will block all types of connections or it may not work at all. A hardware firewall can be configured to block certain types of applications. A firewall is also useful in situations where a computer has already been infected with spyware. Since the firewall can prevent data from being sent into or out of the device, it will block the data being sent by the spyware application. Therefore, it can be used to prevent identity theft. 

How does a firewall work?

A firewall utilizes packet filtering to apply rules within a network. It maintains Internet Security by analyzing packets that are received and sent by the computer that it is protecting. If the packet contains any indications that it may be a threat, it is blocked.  A fairly recent upgrade in regards to firewall technology is known as SPI or Stateful Packet Inspection. SPI allows a firewall to check additional characteristics within a data packet. This feature allows firewalls to work more efficiently. 
How much does it cost?

Implementing Internet Security is not always cheap. However, a moderate investment can lead to an efficient security system. A hardware firewall for a home network system will cost around five thousand rupees. However, for enterprises, the cost will go up as more complex security features become necessary.  Buying a VPN service is another alternative recommended for personal users to secure online activities.

A firewall is considered to be the first line of defense of any efficient security system. Therefore, implementing it within a network is considered to be vital. 

Friday, May 24, 2013

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

How to Connect your printers with Google Cloud Print

Google Cloud Print is a new technology that connects your printers to the web. Using Google Cloud Print, you can make your home and work printers available to you and anyone you choose, from the applications you use every day. Google Cloud Print works on your phone, tablet, Chrome device, PC, and any other web-connected device you want to print from.




Google Cloud Print can print to Cloud Ready printers, which connect directly to the web and don’t require a PC to setup. Google Cloud Print can also connect to existing (classic) printers that are plugged into a Windows, Mac, or Linux computer with Internet access, using the Google Cloud Print connector in Google Chrome.

Steps for connecting your printer to Google cloud Print:

To connect your classic printer, enable the Google Cloud Print connector on any (non-Chrome OS) computer that is already connected to your printer and able to print. You'll need Google Chrome to be installed on the computer. If you're using Windows XP, make sure you also have the Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) installed.
Once Google Chrome is installed, follow the steps below to enable the Google Cloud Print connector in Google Chrome.
  1. Log in to your user account on the Windows, Mac, or Linux computer.
  2. Open Google Chrome.
  3. Click the Chrome menu Chrome menu on the browser toolbar.
  4. Select Settings.
  5. Click the Show advanced settings link.
  6. Scroll down to the “Google Cloud Print” section. Click Sign in to Google Cloud PrintSign in to Google Cloud Print
  7. In the window that appears, sign in with your Google Account to enable the Google Cloud Print connector.
  8. Select the printers you want to connect, and then click Add printer(s).
  9. You'll see a confirmation that Google Cloud Print has been enabled. Click Manage your printers to learn more.

The printer is now associated with your Google Account and connected to Google Cloud Print. You can print to this printer using Google Cloud Print whenever you’re signed in with the same Google Account.

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