Actiontec electronic Wireless DSL Gateway GT704WG-QW04 - Manual (Page 82)

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Computer Security
The Internet is a giant network of computers located all over the world. When a
computer is connected to the Internet, it can exchange information with any other
computer on the Internet. This allows a computer user to send e-mail, surf the
World Wide Web, download files, and buy products and services online, but it also
makes the computer vulnerable to attack from persons intent on doing malicious
mischief, or worse. Unless access to the computer is controlled, someone on the
Internet can access the information on the computer and damage or destroy that
information.
Actiontec recommends securing your computer from unwanted intrusion. Security
is ultimately the end user’s responsibility. Please secure your computer, and don’t
be a victim.
Comparing DSL Service with a Dial-Up Modem
With a dial-up modem, a computer user makes an Internet connection by dialing
a telephone number, surfs the Internet for a period of time, and then disconnects
the dial-up modem. No one on the Internet can access a computer that is not con-
nected to the Internet.
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 with-
out 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.
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