Well-Protected Network = Less Computer Problems

Did you know a properly secured network can actually reduce virus, malware and spyware-related issues on the computers in your network? By taking some time out of your day to research and deploy today's TechDish tips, the computers, workstations and servers on your network will actually be safer than ever before.

Before we go any further though, let's just make it clear that we're NOT telling you to stop installing antivirus and the likes on your individual systems. Today's tactics are designed to run alongside your already existing security structure(s), enhancing your network with even more anti-bad-things oomph.

Powerful Network Security & Safety Tools

The following tools we're talking about vary on levels of performance, starting with basic and going all the way up to advanced. Remember, these are network-level deployments—you'll set them up one time and ALL computers on your network will be affected. If you are looking for a solution for an individual computer basis, please check out last week's episode of TechDish, Computer Safety and Your Kids.

OpenDNS

Make your Network safer, more secure, and more reliable.

• User Experience: Beginner–Intermediate
• Time for deployment: < 1 hour
• TechDish rating: 4/5 Stars

OpenDNS is a very user-friendly, easy to deploy, web-based service that ties into your existing router connection. It offers industry-leading Web Content Filtering, Anti-Phishing, DNS Infrastructure, and Navigation Services.

Use OpenDNS to:

• Monitor websites that are being accessed from your network—see what your computer users are surfing to most
• Restrict/filter access to websites using OpenDNS presets, or on an individual basis—this ensures your computer users cannot access the blocked content

TechDish Review: For any user that wants to monitor and restrict websites on a network level, OpenDNS is a great place to start! It requires very little setup—you should be able to get this running on your network in an hour or less—and you'll reap huge benefits. This is ideal for family/home use, where you want to restrict adult-rated content; and also a very good start for small businesses that want to block out social networking and "time wasting" sites, to help their employees stay productive.

SmoothWall

The World's Favourite Network Firewall

• User Experience: Intermediate–Advanced
• Time for Deployment: 4 hours
• TechDish rating: 5/5 Stars

SmoothWall is a great open source (what's this?) Network Firewall that does everything OpenDNS can do, but so much more. Using the SmoothWall firewall is the most basic security element to hide your network from the outside and control all external access points (also known as ports). It also lets you block unwanted activity and protects your network from external threats (eg. viruses, hack attempts, etc).

Use SmoothWall to:

• Monitor websites that are being accessed from your network—see what your computer users are surfing to most
• Restrict/filter access to websites—this ensures your computer users cannot access the blocked content
• View reports on network traffic, allowing you to further lock down your network
• Install additional modules, or add-ons, that add even more features and functionality to your network

TechDish Review: Installing a network firewall is a little more time-consuming, but gives you huge benefits of protection from the outside world. We highly recommend SmoothWall, and you'll find it is feature-packed out of the box, with even more to come when you install additional add-ons (modules). A network firewall is ideal if you want to access your computer/network when you're away; or host email, web or ftp servers from your network. And with this one, you get two huge benefits: 1.) It's FREE, and 2.) You don't have to buy a new PC for this task! This writer has brought life back to an old Windows 98 PC by throwing in a little RAM and an extra network card, and Whalla! there's my firewall.

WatchGuard®

Powerful network protection, unified threat management, secure remote access, and expert support

• User Experience: Advanced
• Time for Deployment: < 4 hours
• TechDish rating: 5/5 Stars

For over a decade, Watchguard® has provided reliable, easy-to-manage firewall and VPN appliances to hundreds of thousands of businesses worldwide. No, it isn't free, but it is affordably priced, and is recognized as an industry-leading commercial firewall platform. Check out the Watchguard website today to compare products, or contact your local Watchguard retailer & support specialist, IDEaS Computers! We'll help you analyze your network and your security needs, use these to help you choose the right Watchguard device for your network, get it installed and configured, and provide support as you continue to use it.

TechDish Review: We have been using Watchguard in-house for years here at IDEaS Computers, managing a network of more than 250 nodes (computers and other connected devices)—and it is more than up to the task of providing the ultimate in security, while still maintaining remote connectivity for us while we're away from the office. This is also our recommended product for any business that wants to host its own mail and/or web server, or have access to their files while away from the office. Be sure to Contact Us today to learn more about getting Watchguard set up at your business!