[ilearn]

I have just discovered some security settings on my macbook (running tiger), so far I found: Firewall, FileVault, Stealth Mode. Now I am not sure if and what I should turn on. Do other people have experience with that? What are reasons for each to turn it on and to turn it off?

[smax013]

ilearn said:

I have just discovered some security settings on my macbook (running tiger), so far I found: Firewall, FileVault, Stealth Mode. Now I am not sure if and what I should turn on. Do other people have experience with that? What are reasons for each to turn it on and to turn it off?

If you use the computer behind a router at home, then when at home you technically should not need the firewal or Stealth Mode...the router will handle that. When you are out and about, however, and using it on some other network, I would suggest that turning on the firewall and Stealth Mode is a good idea. The end result is that it is a probably a good idea to turn them both on and leave them on.

As for FileVault, that is whole disk encryption. If you don't have any files that you might be worried about people getting their hands on, then it is not needed. If you want your whole drive encrypted to protect the contents, then turn it on (just be aware that if can make recovery of files MUCH more difficult if something prevents you from logging in normally).