Recycling your old computer by repurposing it

Daily Cup of Tech has an article on how to use your old computer for something else.

How about turning it into a firewall/router to network everything else?

How about a file server?

How about a print server?

How about… oh, just check the article for ideas.

Comodo fireware in a freeware version

Comodo provides firewall software, in a pay and a freeware version.

“Comodo is delivering this highly rated firewall free as a cornerstone of our initiative to empower consumers to create a safe and trusted online experience whenever you go online. This new initiative will also make available other free desktop security tools to avoid leading threats such as phishing attacks. The free tools include: the ability to authenticate web identities in real time (www.vengine.com), free email certificates for secure email encryption, secure backup for backing up files on your pc and iVault for password management and launching secured internet sessions. Together, all these solution could cost upwards of $500 per year to achieve a comparable level of internet security and safety. And all these products are offered free for the lifetime of the PC - without any annual subscription fees or licenses.”

This is considered one of several good possible firewalls which are freeware.

Hotspot Shield for using wireless on the go

Hotspot Shield is for those who use the wireless hot spots in cafes, coffee shops, airports, etc. — which can also be very dangerous places to expose your passwords, etc.!

“But while you’re enjoying your latte and a bagel, some hacker might be accessing your passwords, credit card numbers, sensitive company data and much more. And standard antivirus software won’t protect you. That’s why AnchorFree is pleased to offer Hotspot Shield. This free security software keeps your Internet connection secure at public hotspots, home or work.”

“Hotspot Shield creates a virtual private network (VPN) between your laptop and the wireless router. This impenetrable tunnel prevents snoopers and hackers from viewing your email, instant messages, credit card information or anything else you send over a wireless network. Which means you remain anonymous and protect your privacy.  Hotspot Shield security software is free to download, employs the latest VPN technology, and is easy to install and use.”

Runs on XP, Vista, 2000, Macs… see the list at the site.

Freeware firewall from ZoneAlarm

ZoneLab’s ZoneAlarm has a freeware version for personal use.

This is a firewall that keeps anything from coming in or going out of your computer without permission. It is teachable (you can give permission for this time only, or forever). This is especially important for always-on connections such as cable and network internet.

You will need to ‘train’ the firewall because the first time a program (or an updated version of a program you had already) tries to send anything out, ZoneAlarm will ask if you want to give it permission to do so.  If you check the box to remember, it won’t ask again (unless/until the program is updated, which makes it look different — just give permission and check ‘remember’ again).  It’s a minor hassle, but it won’t bother you once it learns your software.

Recommended by PC Annoyances There are also more powerful versions to buy, and a full security suite is available to buy.

Test your system firewall

Gibson Research Corporation has Shields Up! a free test to see how secure your internet connection is, how well your firewall protects you, etc.  This test will connect to your computer (you’ll need to give permission to it) and check for any loopholes in your security.

Recommended by several good sources.

Firewall from Ashampoo is freeware

Clif Notes Newsletter has a review on the Ashampoo firewall.  “This free firewall offers true two-way protection that not only prevents intrusions from the internet, but can also stop unknown programs on your PC from contacting the internet.”

“Even though you have to register this program, they don’t ask you for any money. The registration requires that you give out your email address and any other information that you supply is optional. You will receive at least two emails during registration and it looks like they add you to a newsletter that they send out occasionally.”

Since you will want to update the firewall anyway, giving out your email is not unreasonable in this case.