DSL/Cable Users Jan 08, 2001 This article is about the need for DSL/Cable users to have a firewall software program; these users are at increased risk of attacks by hackers since the are connected to the internet 24 hours a day and more likely to have a static IP address an thus more prone to hacking programs that seek out your address and once found seek entry into your personal computer. "Here's one of those rare times in the computer world where common sense will help you understand the two reasons why there's an increased danger of hackers. The first reason is that the longer you stay online, the more opportunities a hacker has of finding and invading your computer. The second reason is that if you have a static address, you are no longer a moving target for the hackers. Instead, your computer just sits there hooked up to the Internet, making it easier to hit." (1) If you have not yet tried one of the several sites that do a test of your computer's openness to such attacks then before proceeding any further with is article may I strongly recommend that you pay a visit to: Shields UP You should run both theTest My Shield and Probe My Ports tests. They only take a few minutes. If you do not have a firewall - chances are you are going to be surprised at the results. Don't get all choked up about the results; recognizing a problem is the first step toward solving it. Come on back to this article when you have completed the tests and read on for the free solution. There are several software firewall programs you can use but from what I have been reading on the net of late the freeware program Zone Alarm; is equal too or superior to any of them. I have been using it for the past 5 or 6 months and can report that I have had no problems with the program at all. I am using Windows 98 SE. It loads up every time I start windows and just sits in the tray area doing its job. Zone Alarm is different than many programs since it prevents programs on your computer from accessing the net (unless you grant permission for them to do so (either on a once only basis or every time the program in question tries to access the net). In addition Zone Alarm masks your IP address; and if hackers or their programs can't see your IP address - then they can't attack your computer. The program is easy to install and just as easy to configure. You can download the free version at: ZONE ALARM __________________________________________ (1)Bill Husted - Cox News Service