Essential Computer Security: Everyone's Guide to Email, Internet, and Wireless Security

Appendix A Essential Network Communications

Topics in this appendix:

• Computer Protocols
• Communication Ports
• TCP and UDP Protocols
• Understanding IP Addresses and DNS
• Managing IP Addresses
• Firewalls

Introduction

In order to better secure your home computer or home network, it helps if you have some basic knowledge of how it all works so that you can understand what exactly you are securing and why. This appendix will help provide an overview of the terms and technology used and some of the tips, tricks, tools, and techniques you can use to make sure your computer is secure.

This appendix will provide an understanding of what these terms are so that when you read about the latest malicious code spreading through the Internet and how it gets ...