Actiontec electronic GT701WRU - Manual (Page 114)

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Computer Security
The Internet is a giant network of computers located all over the world. When
a computer is connected to the Internet, it can exchange information with any
other computer on the Internet. This allows a computer user to send E-mail, surf
the World Wide Web, download files, and buy products and services online, but it
also makes the computer vulnerable to attack from persons intent on doing harm.
Unless access to the computer is controlled, someone on the Internet can access the
information on the computer and steal, damage, or destroy that information.
Actiontec recommends securing your computer from unwanted intrusion. Security
is ultimately the end user’s responsibility. Please secure your computer, and don’t
be a victim.
Comparing Broadband Service with a Dial-Up Modem
With a dial-up modem, a computer user makes an Internet connection by dialing
a telephone number, surfs the Internet for a period of time, and then disconnects
the dial-up modem. No one on the Internet can access a computer not connected
to the Internet.
Unlike a dial-up modem, broadband service is “always connected.” The connection
is always available – there is no need to dial a phone number to access the Internet.
The computer can be connected to the Internet all the time.
With both types of Internet connections, access to the computer must be con-
trolled to make sure someone on the Internet doesn’t access the information on
the computer. The longer the computer is connected to the Internet, the easier it is
for someone on the Internet to find the computer and attempt to access it without
permission.
Broadband service also provides fast Internet connections. This not
only improves Internet performance, it also improves Internet performance for
anyone attempting to access the computer.
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