Need some advice about Port Forwarding [need as much info as possible]

[Ethan]

Port Forwarding is when you forward ports 28000-28030 so people can 'join' onto your computer so they can play your server. But ports 28000-28030 are safe ports, so do not worry.

[Ad Bot]

[DrBen]

So apparently when you open a port, you allow everyone in the world access to your computer which can compromise security. How exactly is this "no risk" or "safe" ? =/

[General Nick]

So apparently when you open a port, you allow everyone in the world access to your computer which can compromise security. How exactly is this "no risk" or "safe" ? =/

Absolutely not. It IS safe.

My ports have been open for over a year now and I have gotten absolutely no viruses or attacks against my computer or any other family member's computers.

[snot2]

everyone in the world

only people connecting to the server

[Ethan]

So apparently when you open a port, you allow everyone in the world access to your computer which can compromise security. How exactly is this "no risk" or "safe" ? =/

They can only access that part of the computer you have opened, which in this case is for Blockland.

[DrBen]

he's insisting that he's right. He thinks that all of his and my mom's personal data on their computer is at risk if I open the ports, because we all share the same wireless router, and internet connection (I think I said that right).

This might just be an inferiority complex. I can't wait to get my own place next year =_=

[Ethan]

he's insisting that he's right. He thinks that all of his and my mom's personal data on their computer is at risk if I open the ports, because we all share the same wireless router, and internet connection (I think I said that right).

This might just be an inferiority complex. I can't wait to get my own place next year =_=

He knows nothing about computers then and is making a fool of himself thinking he does.

[DrBen]

well he works for upper management of the Timken co... he said he's going to ask some of the techy guys who work there. I just hope they set him straight... since he was a computer science major like me. =/

I mean, as long as I use those ports for Blockland only... I shouldn't have a problem, right? Goodness. 

[Ethan]

It would never be a problem. There is absolutely no way that you can be hacked or get a virus, spyware, trojan, adware, keylogger or anything else dubious through port forwarding these ports for Blockland.

[Sgt. Dynamo Jet]

how do you port on mac? I NEED TO KNOW

[DrBen]

Here's what he did... he went to the Timken guys and asked them, and here's what he gave to me on a piece of paper...

"Port Forwarding

     -Must be Pt to Pt to Fixed IP Address on PC
     -Exposes that PC directly to Internet
            -Traffic on any open port will come through to that PC
            -If Firewall at PC client does not close ports, they will be vulnerable
            -Any infection could spread to other PCs on the home LAN"

So yeah... I'm not sure what to say/do now :[

[DrBen]

I appreciate everyone who's helped me so far... I've learned a lot of things that will help me when I finally just decide to screw with the router myself... as long as I'm able to do these things:

-reset the router
-set up ports
-set up SSID
-reset security so the router is secure once again (I'd love some help with this step!)

He's got eyes like a hawk, so I should be careful. 

[Ethan]

Sounds like he has asked someone at that company to say that just because he still does not want them forwarded.

Personally, I would trust someone who made a game as complex as Blockland. I suppose it is time to call Badspot to the ring.

[General Nick]

I've had my ports forwarded for over 2 years and nothing has happened other than the fact that I can host servers in Blockland.

[DrBen]

if I could get Badspot's input, then I think I might win this argument. Truly the creator of the game would know everything there is to know about it, right? Right.