Re: OT: Should computers stay on constantly?
 

Routers with NAT firewalls are not decent routers.

What?

Re: OT: Should computers stay on constantly?
 

A NAT is not really a firewall.

And lacking NAT dosen't make it a better router.

Re: OT: Should computers stay on constantly?
 

As for power supplies, I personally have everything going through an industrial-strength surge protector (gotten at an auction) first, and have a UPS for my hub, Router and Cable modem.

With the UPS running only those things after I shut down my computer, I can use my laptop to keep chatting here and on the IRC channel while the power is out http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Re: OT: Should computers stay on constantly?
 

Aint it sweet http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif Gives you someting to do while the power is out http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif

Re: OT: Should computers stay on constantly?
 

NAT isn't a firewall but, without looking back at reference material (in other words, in laymen terms...), it's my understanding NAT logs a request for info leaving the router and when a data packet comes in response to that request, it is allowed to penetrate the router. Any packet coming into the router for which there is not an outstanding request is turned away.

This is the way I understand NAT (but I could be wrong).

So, in theory, this seems like good protection. But, as in anything, multiple barriers are the desired defense, so NAT is just one component of mine.

Re: OT: Should computers stay on constantly?
 

I turn mine off for the night, and use sleep mode during the day. Electricity is the primary concern, but the CPU / MB / Video Card / HD heat issues are also of cheif concern.

And the fans make too much noise.

Re: OT: Should computers stay on constantly?
 

NAT lets many LAN addresses share a WAN address and like a switchboard, directs the incomming packets to the correct LAN address.

Once a hacker sniffs out your internal addresses, or guesses, then he can defeat NAT.

Re: OT: Should computers stay on constantly?
 

Side reason for leaving your computer on all the time:

SETI@home

I mean, this forum has been set up for a 4X space strategy game with more types of aliens than there are ants on this miserable little world. Who doesn't want to help sniff out REAL intelligent extraterrestrial life? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif


(Well, those leaders of Xenophobic empires, but apart from them.....)

Re: OT: Should computers stay on constantly?
 

Indeed, don't waste your processor. Folding@Home

Re: OT: Should computers stay on constantly?
 

I thought SETI@home was finished now- that they'd processed everything that needed processing.