[Eug-lug] AVG virus protection software

Wed Dec 6 14:45:14 PST 2006

 I just noticed, perusing the supported hardware for OpenWRT (
http://wiki.openwrt.org/TableOfHardware ) that many wap's have a mini-pci
radio;
has anyone heard of hacks or attempts to replace the existing one?  Notable
is v1.0 of the LinkSys WRT54G, among others...
I can imagine someone putting in a ABG-mode radio card that also does
bluetooth, and, um, doing something creative with it... PAN'ing?

    Ben

On 12/6/06, Ben Barrett <stircrazyben at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> The features list of DD-WRT is pretty good, and I've heard the Buffalo
> brand wifi routers are the cheapest supported units.
> I am pleased to see that they include OpenVPN client & server (however,
> only in "-vpn" builds)
> http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/What_is_%22DD-WRT%22%3F#Features
> However, with the pure linux device ("L" model) you can continue to hack
> away and build/install your own packages,
> I'm not sure how difficult this is with DD-WRT.  I don't know if any of
> other other firmware mods allow for that.
> Running OpenVPN on the router seems ideal, since you can run your wifi in
> the open (which is handy if you have lots of visitors),
> and then use it to connect whether you're at home or out on the WAN trying
> to tunnel back to home -- you could just use SSH, alternatively,
> but OpenVPN can/will cover whatever traffic you route through it, so if
> you've got any insecure devices you need to access or just don't trust the
> free wifi where-ever you happen to be, you can put all your traffic throu=
gh
> it.  Security is a sense of mind, so ... ignorance is bliss :)
>
> cheerio,
>
>     Ben
>
>
> On 12/6/06, LinuxRocks! <linux at rocksolidnetworks.com> wrote:
> >
> > On Wed, Dec 06, 2006 at 01:18:33PM -0800, Garl Grigsby wrote:
> > > Date: Wed, 06 Dec 2006 13:18:33 -0800
> > > From: Garl Grigsby <badd_karma at comcast.net>
> > > To: Eugene Unix and Gnu/Linux User Group <euglug at euglug.org>
> > > Subject: Re: [Eug-lug] AVG virus protection software
> > >
> > > Brian Gallagher wrote:
> > > >>Buy a higher gain antenna. Better yet, buy two. One for the client
> > > >>and one for the WAP. I've used these [1] in the past and they are
> > > >>well worth the money. Gained an extra 200 feet in one direction and
> > a
> > > >>solid signal through three walls in th other. If you watch you can
> > > >>get them for < 15 shipped after rebate. Or you could always build
> > > >>your own antenna...
> > > >I would like to have a conversation with you about antennas.  Ben
> > > >recommended a bridge and I appreciate that offer, but this wireless
> > > >share is transitory.  Wireless bridges are generally expensive and if
> > > >the share situation changes I could end up with a bridge to nowhere,
> > > >so to speak.
> > > Buy a WRT54GL (The 'L' is important). They run ~$50-$60. Replace the
> > OS
> >
> > Its often easier to get an older version of the wrt54g/gs, which will
> > also run different OS's (such as DD-WRT, Hyperwrt, sveasoft's thing,
> > ...) check out wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wrt54g
> > Armed with that info, you can go to ebay (or wherever you like best),
> > and find usable unit.
> > I have several of these units (no, not parting with any!), and ive done
> > a lot with them. I currently has a wds bridge network with 3 routers
> > using both hyperwrt, and dd-wrt. I think i like the dd-wrt better
> > though, and will likely change everything over to dd-wrt.
> >
> > I used one of these units in client mode, and put the extended range
> > antennna on it, and turn up the xmit power (84mw when i did it,but now
> > you can crank it up to 251mw!!!) it rocked.
> >
> > > with one of the 'enhanced' versions. I know that they will do bridging
> > > [1]. The nice thing with this unit is when you are done you can either
> >
> > > use it as a wifi/firewall or sell it easily.
> > > >The picture of the high gain antenna that you suggest show the
> > antenna
> > > >on a pedestal, held down with a nut.  Do I remove the nut and fasten
> > > >antenna onto the post of the WAP w/ its antenna removed or is there
> > > >some connecting hardware not shown?
> > > The Antenna is on pedestal with a short cable, maybe 24". You can get
> > > longer cables, but as I understand it, the longer the cable the more
> > > signal loss, but don't quote me on that. My knowledge of radio
> > antennas
> > > is all experimental. The antenna can be mounted to the wall using
> > > screws, but I always just set it next to the WAP or on top of the
> > > computer. If you want something attached I know that a number of
> > people
> >
> > Antanna position is critical... I suppose this needs to be said, maybe
> > its too obvious? but moving the antenna to a spot it will get the best
> > signal (like next to a window, or outside, on the roof, ....) will
> > likely make the biggest difference! I assume you moved the antanna (or
> > laptop or whatever...) and checked for the best signal.
> >
> > Jamie
> >
> > > make screw on replacement antennas but it all depends the card/WAP you
> > > are using and the antenna connection. Personally the screw on types
> > > never seem to work that well behind the computer. I always had better
> > > luck when they were above the case. On the WAP, they seem to work OK.
> > > >Building an antenna sounds interesting, do you have "hands on"
> > > >experience there?  I would need some tech help on that.
> > > Google is your friend. You can google the word cantenna [2]. This link
> > > [3] was buried in my list of 'things I want to look at when I have
> > > time'. It has info on a bunch of antennas.
> > > >>What card are you using?
> > > >
> > > >I have four cards, all D-link.  I have no allegiance to D-Link, I
> > just
> > > >bought a set, on sale: wireless router, PCI and USB cards when I got
> > > >started looking into wireless.   I am working on the assumption that
> > I
> > > >have to test these cards under Windows to prove a "known good" status
> > > >before delving into the Linux unknown.
> > > >
> > > >DWL-G510 (PCI)  this card had a history of flakyness under WinMe
> > (hey,
> > > >its Me what did I expect.  I haven't tried it under XP.  The one
> > thing
> > > >PCI does seem to have is greater range!)
> > > >
> > > >DWL-G520 (PCI) this card was found  in a computer by side of the road
> >
> > > >that some Frat Boys had take a baseball bat to.  Status unknown.
> > > I don't know what to say to this....
> > > >
> > > >DWL-G120 (USB) this card is the one I use primarily.  It has a long
> > > >dongle cord and I have it run up the wall close to the ceiling.  When
> >
> > > >I was playing with setting it up with Ubuntu I ran into the "which
> > rev
> > > >is the chipset issue."  I chickened out on opening the housing to
> > view
> > > >the chipset, as this is my web access, unless I want to sit in the
> > > >cold garage and I don't.
> > > >
> > > >DWL-G122 (USB) this card in promising.  Ubuntu showed a Marvel
> > > >chipset, if I remember correctly.  The issue with these thumb drive
> > > >type wireless cards is signal range; and with a short dongle cord to
> > a
> > > >pedestal base,  I can't work the antenna directionality as I would
> > like.
> > > USB extension cables are cheap... The other issue is that you usually
> > > can't replace the antennas on USB NICs. So if you go for the USB then
> > > your best be would be to move the device around until you get a better
> > > signal.
> > > >
> > > >Give me till after the holidays, I would like to revisit this
> > > >discussion and solve this problem once and for all.  Also, I got a
> > > >how-to specific to this DWL-122 card and Ubuntu and it mentioned the
> > > >software setup.  I'll have to find that documentation.
> > > >
> > > >As with everything Linux, while I've been frittering, someone has
> > > >already solved the issue and I just need to update my OS version,
> > etc,
> > > >etc. will probably be the case.
> > > >>>Here is my question: should I stop worrying about virus protection
> > > >>>and make implementing Linux wireless my top priority, because virus
> >
> > > >>>threats are low under Linux; Therefore, would I be better off
> > > >>>running Linux, with no virus protection, then to keep working with
> > > >>>windows and outdated AVG software?
> > > >>That's up to you. If you are going to keep using windows, then get
> > an
> > > >>A/V solution. Also, make sure you are running Firefox and
> > Thunderbird.
> > > >I am running Firefox and Thunderbird.
> > > >
> > > Good man.
> > >
> > > -Garl
> > >
> > > [1] http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Wireless_Bridge
> > > [2]
> > >
> > http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=3Dnavclient-ff&ie=3DUTF-8&rlz=3D1=
B2GGGL_enUS175&q=3Dcantenna
> > > [3] http://www.seattlewireless.net/AntennaHowTo
>
>
>
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