[DME]

I am using Netgear for my computers to use the internet. We do not talk to each other (computer to computer). But I am wondering if because of using Netgear if one computer gets a virus can it give it to another in my home? If yes, any thing that can be set up so this doesn't happen?

[hulkinator]

It doesn't really matter what kind of hardware you use. Computers can infect each other over a network like you have. Floppy disks/flash drives shared between machines can spread infections, too. Tell us if you suspect you have some malware and we can help you determine what it is and how to remove it. It would be wise, in that case, to remove your Netgear network adapter or unplug the cable so it isn't connected to the network and can't spread the infection.

The best way to stop infections from spreading is to prevent infections in the first place. To do this:
1) Keep Windows updated
2) Use a firewall (if you have a router it might have one built in; send us the model number and we can find out for you; otherwise install some kind of software firewall)
3) Run an antivirus program on every computer that is connected to the Internet. Make sure it is set up to update regularly and to make full system scans every few days.
4) Don't visit suspicious or shady-type sites (illegal or adult content, especially)
5) Don't open emails from unknown senders or unfamiliar attachments.

Following all of those steps should keep you relatively safe. Nothing is 100% secure, but we aim for as close to that as we can get. Those five items cover the vast majority of infection sources.

[DME]

Thanks for your reply. I do all that you mentioned. Getting a virus on both computers is it possible one infected the other just because I use netgear to share the interent. Or was it just conicedence.

[hulkinator]

I wouldn't blame Netgear in particular. Though I'm no malware expert I'd say that it is more likely that there was a coincidence, especially if you have file and printer sharing disabled. If you use floppy disks or flash drives that are shared between the machines I'd put that up there in the probability list too.

[wgman21]

Doesn't the router also act as a firewall to help prevent one computer from infecting another?

[hulkinator]

It should. It depends on the particular router and its firewall, though.

[lunarlander]

Hi Wgman21,

No, a router normally has NAT, which is kind of a firewall, but only to block out attacks from the internet. The other ports on the router is a Switch, where all connected computers can communicate with one another. For example, if you have File and Printer Sharing turned on, they communicate through that switch. So, that router can't do anything to prevent infections from spreading.

There are fancier switches, like ones from Cisco, which has a feature called VLAN. That segments assigned ports to particular virtual LANS. In that case, infection can be stopped.

[Frank4d]

One thing you can do to help protect is to assign a password to the built-in administrator account. A few worms attempt to logon to computers that have blank administrator passwords.

[wgman21]

Good stuff!