Re: Web Server behind ZoneAlarm?

Thanks to all who replied to my posting. I should clarify what I meant
by "web server". I don't want to run a full-blown web server like IIS.
All I want is to install a webcam software with an internal web server
so that I can keep an eye on my home from work. In fact the web server
will be password-protected. Given this information, do I still have to
open port 80 in ZoneAlarm? And, if so, what risks are involved?

thanks

Brian Cryer wrote:
> "Anthony" <amartin@whoever.com> wrote in message
> news:1131018827.223584.183530@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> >I recently subscribed to a cable broadband connection and want to run a
> > web server on my XP machine. I am already running ZoneAlarm Pro. What
> > do I have to do to allow access to my web server without unreasonably
> > compromising security? From what I read, I have to open port 80 in
> > ZoneAlarm, but how does this affect security?
> >
> > thanks
>
> A hardware device (NAT router) is preferable to ZoneAlarm. In theory I don't
> see anything wrong with using ZoneAlarm, but it/you may have opened ports
> for other services that you don't want exposed to the internet. When I went
> broadband at home and put in a NAT router (as well as enabling me to share
> broadband between pcs) I observed that the number of attacks zone alarm
> detected dropped to zero and stayed there.
>
> Back to your question, yes, it should be just port 80. However broadband
> providers vary and I gather that some block port 80 to prevent you from
> running a webserver. This isn't an issue, it just means you move to a
> different port. You will also need a way of allowing others to identify your
> pc on the internet. If your ip address is static then this won't be a
> problem but if it changes (or isn't guaranteed as static) then you'll save
> yourself a lot of agro by signing up for a dynamic dns service - take a look
> at www.no-ip.com, their free service is great.
>
> Something else to remember with broadband is that the upload speed is much
> much slower than your download speed. This means that it probably won't be
> suitable for web hosting if you get more than a couple of visitors at a
> time. So fine for a small hobby site or as a "play thing", but not much
> else.
>
> Hope this is useful.
> --
> Brian Cryer
> www.cryer.co.uk/brian
Received on Mon Nov 21 02:38:52 2005