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North American Network Operators Group Date Prev | Date Next | Date Index | Thread Index | Author Index | Historical Re: Worms versus Bots
> "Microsoft is expected to recommend that the "average" Longhorn PC feature a > dual-core CPU running at 4 to 6GHz; a minimum of 2 gigs of RAM; up to a > terabyte of storage; a 1 Gbit, built-in, Ethernet-wired port and an 802.11g > wireless link; and a graphics processor that runs three times fasterthan those > on the market today." How about a PC that has *NO* externally accessible network connectivity, not even wireless. But it does have an internal 100baseTx Ethernet port that uses a non-standard connector. And it also includes a router unit running off the same power supply as the PC but otherwise completely independent. This router is connected to the non-standard Ethernet interface of the PC and supplies 2 externally accessible Ethernet ports and an 802.11g wireless capability. The components for this stuff are small enough these days that you can easily fit an entire router into a PC's slimline case and the router can include a complete SI Firewall capability. The PC BIOS will allow the initial SI Firewall config to be done before booting the PC. And even if there is an SI Firewall on the broadband router serving the home, it's still worthwhile to protect Mom's PC from worm infestations brought into the home by junior's unsafe Internet practices. I know Microsoft would hate the idea of a Windows PC running Linux on an in-box firewall router but it seems like poetic justice in a way. --Michael Dillon
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