Kids and Computers

why does my DSL modem lights flash when computer is off?

computer is shut down but sometimes modem lights are flashing on and off as it does when computer is being used.

It can be a lot of things. I actually surveyed this kind of “noise” many years ago, but it’s probably different now. Back then, we found:

1) Some routers perform various tasks intermittently. Routers have time synchronization code to keep their clocks accurate which involves sending a time check, usually every hour or so.

2) Sometimes, there are leftover connections that didn’t fully shut down when your computer did. A few “last ACK” packets are sometimes seen.

3) People randomly scan IP addresses for various reasons. Some of it is malicious, looking for vulnerable machines. Some of it is part of legitimate research projects. (We found one checking DNS server versions and one checking operating system prevalence.)

4) Many points on the Internet don’t check the source address of a packet. So someone can create a packet that appears to have come from your address. You then get the reply. (You then reject the reply, and generally nothing happens. But people still try for various reasons.)

5) You may see some attempts by other people to use your computer for attacks. For example, you may see spoofed broadcast pings, which are an attempt to induce your computer to flood another computer. (These largely don’t work anymore, but people still try for various reasons.)

6) Some of it just seemed to be from outer space, with no apparent explanation.

7) Unfortunately, the number one source is this one: Compromised machines that are scanning randomly for other machines they can compromise to form large botnets. Right now, there are probably more than a million compromised machines looking for other machines to compromise, waiting for the masters to command them.

Death Note (デスノート) Flash – PC (Browser-Based Flash Game)

Victorinox SwissMemory 128 MB USB Storage Device (Translucent Ruby) $40.00 Victorinox, in partnership with Swissbit, the renowned Swiss electronics firm, has created the SwissMemory, a handy 2-1/4-inch (58 millimeter) tool. This high-performance, portable data storage device provides a convenient way to transport pictures, music, and data files from home to office. It’s also very convenient while traveling on business and you need a backup for an important presentation, …

Kidde KN-COSM-B Battery-Operated Combination Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarm with Talking Alarm $64.97 The Kidde KN-COSM-B Battery-Operated Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarm combines two important safety devices into a single unit. This alarm includes a voice warning system that announces “Fire, Carbon Monoxide, Low Battery, or Smart Hush Activation.” The voice alarm eliminates any confusion and clearly warns you and your family of a smoke or carbon monoxide danger, or if your battery is in need of r…

Belkin Conserve Socket Energy Saving Outlet $0.01 …

MAGLITE 3-D Cell LED Flashlight $42.30 …

Energizer Ultimate Lithium Batteries World’s Longest Lasting AA Battery in High-Tech DevicesLasts up to 8x Longer in Digital Cameras*vs. Energizer® Max®Digital CamerasHandheld GPSLED FlashlightsPhoto EquipmentCD PlayersLasts Up To 7 Hours Longer* In Handheld GPS DevicesLightweight and Performs In Extreme Temperatures (-40° To 140°F)Guarantee: We will repair or replace, at our option, any device damaged by these Energizer batterie…