question for winXP experts...
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Melbourne
Regarding the modem issue I'd check to see if there's an updated driver from your modem supplier. XP may just be using a default configuration that your modem's a bit funny about. Theoretically you should be able to use basic Hayes commands with just about any modem, but some have their own idiosyncrasies.
If your modem supplier hasn't provided XP drivers (which may be the case if the modem is very old) you may want to just spend $20 and buy a new modem.
If you don't want to spend $20 and can't find a driver for your modem you can try resetting the modem to factory defaults in case something way back in the mists of time has saved a slightly odd setting to the modem. To do this we'll need to go back to the old way of talking to modems:
* Fire up HyperTerminal (Start/Programs/Accessories/Communications/HyperTerminal).
* Type some junk in for a name, click OK.
* At the bottom of the 'Connect To' dialog pick the COM port that your modem is on (don't pick the modem itself, it'll want to dial a phone number). If it's an internal modem it'll most likely be on COM3 or higher. Click OK.
* Click OK, any setting should do here.
* Type ATZ and hit return. You should get a response from the modem. If not, check your COM port selection.
* Type AT&F and hit return.
* Type AT&W and hit return.
Your modem should now be back at factory defaults with those defaults saved to NVRAM. Close HyperTerminal and see if that's fixed the problem.
If your modem supplier hasn't provided XP drivers (which may be the case if the modem is very old) you may want to just spend $20 and buy a new modem.
If you don't want to spend $20 and can't find a driver for your modem you can try resetting the modem to factory defaults in case something way back in the mists of time has saved a slightly odd setting to the modem. To do this we'll need to go back to the old way of talking to modems:
* Fire up HyperTerminal (Start/Programs/Accessories/Communications/HyperTerminal).
* Type some junk in for a name, click OK.
* At the bottom of the 'Connect To' dialog pick the COM port that your modem is on (don't pick the modem itself, it'll want to dial a phone number). If it's an internal modem it'll most likely be on COM3 or higher. Click OK.
* Click OK, any setting should do here.
* Type ATZ and hit return. You should get a response from the modem. If not, check your COM port selection.
* Type AT&F and hit return.
* Type AT&W and hit return.
Your modem should now be back at factory defaults with those defaults saved to NVRAM. Close HyperTerminal and see if that's fixed the problem.
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 167
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From: Melbourne
Originally posted by Morris
I see now- all answers are for VTECs question. Anybody have a guess why my disconnect command to the modem is being ignored? Thanks.
I see now- all answers are for VTECs question. Anybody have a guess why my disconnect command to the modem is being ignored? Thanks.
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Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Berkeley
Originally posted by Lycean
Windows XP's built-in firewall is designed to protect a single computer; if you turn it on you will lose the ability to connect to other computers on your network because the firewall is doing its job and preventing traffic that may be harmful to your computer. XP's ICF is simple and basic, but for a lot of people with a single PC at home it works fine. It will also work if you use the Internet Connection Sharing feature in XP and just turn it on for the network adapter that connects to the Internet.
More sophisticated firewall software will let you specify groups of addresses that are considered to be private (or safe) addresses. In this way you can tell the firewall that computers on your local network should be able to communicate freely whilst traffic from outside networks will be subject to the firewall's restrictions.
I've used both the free and the Pro versions of ZoneAlarm for years with XP and haven't had any difficulties. I wouldn't recommend BlackIce.
ZoneAlarm (and some other firewall software) can filter access by individual programs if you like (very handy to stop hostile programs like adware and spyware sending data out from your computer), though you may find that feature a bit much to begin with and want to turn it off.
Windows XP's built-in firewall is designed to protect a single computer; if you turn it on you will lose the ability to connect to other computers on your network because the firewall is doing its job and preventing traffic that may be harmful to your computer. XP's ICF is simple and basic, but for a lot of people with a single PC at home it works fine. It will also work if you use the Internet Connection Sharing feature in XP and just turn it on for the network adapter that connects to the Internet.
More sophisticated firewall software will let you specify groups of addresses that are considered to be private (or safe) addresses. In this way you can tell the firewall that computers on your local network should be able to communicate freely whilst traffic from outside networks will be subject to the firewall's restrictions.
I've used both the free and the Pro versions of ZoneAlarm for years with XP and haven't had any difficulties. I wouldn't recommend BlackIce.
ZoneAlarm (and some other firewall software) can filter access by individual programs if you like (very handy to stop hostile programs like adware and spyware sending data out from your computer), though you may find that feature a bit much to begin with and want to turn it off.
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 167
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From: Melbourne
Originally posted by VTEC_Junkie
btw, how effective, from your experience, is the free version of zonealarm in doing its intended job??
btw, how effective, from your experience, is the free version of zonealarm in doing its intended job??
I think it's about as good as you need a personal firewall to be. If anything, it's probably overkill for most people. ZoneAlarm isn't the only product of its kind out there, but it's the only one I know of in its class that's free.
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