URGENT ASAP: Need help in building Home-Office Computer + Secure Network

[hecktic]

Hi everyone,

Yes I am in a very urgent situation here in need of a new home-office computer that MUST be purchased with complete security in terms of hardware encryption and/or finger print reading ability, software level encryption of critical data, and lastly EVERYTHING to securely be connected to a possible insecure home aDSL connection by AT&T

So what I have hopefully described should mean I need an operating system with business friendly tools and FULL security to the max for networking, and internet connectivity. This computer will be in charge of critical data such as financial information and so cost is not a factor here.

Please help me out on deciding what to buy.

Ive looked so far on costco.com Dell $400 off deals and HP deals as well as newegg and some other places but I dont think I am finding the right system.

So far I know I will be getting these:
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11180168&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC|84|31022|31360&N=4013533&Mo=15&pos=0&No=4&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=31360&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&ec=BC-EC10626-Cat31022&topnav=national
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11251785&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC|1892|54020|54021&N=4015990&Mo=67&pos=0&No=31&ViewAll=68&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=54021&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&ec=BC-EC12318-Cat54020&topnav=national

I have no clue which OS I need, I think Windows Vista Buis. Editon ??? or would Home Premium work?

Oh and internet and network security is a top priority too if I did not already mention that. I guess that means Norton Internet security suite 2008 but what else in terms of software level security? I would think I need some kind of utility to offer me software level data encryption?

Oh and daily backups is a MUST.

For hardware level security in the area of networking and internet connectivity what do I need? I am completely clueless here... and remember I will not care how much the cost is as long as it gets the job done. So please advise.

[hecktic]

Would it be good to replace the home network AT&T 2wire wirless modem+router with something more better with a hardware firewall maybe in the class of small buis. products?

[zanzabar]

i wound never put norton on something that needs to be secure they dont have a good internet security suit, i like zone alarm + nod32 + hardware firewall (optional) and put the computer an a network that looks like modem -> firewall -> wired switch -> computer



as for what to use i would go with a basic core2 setup with a p35 and ich9r with raid 10 and a cheap ati card like the 2600xt with uvd (so u can move it to a media box and no need to spend the money on a gaming card)

[hecktic]

i gotta start ordering the parts now... got any links for me?

also the ease of configuration would be a plus but if I have to sit down and do some reading to learn how to really secure the network, I am willing to do that :)

All I am really concerned about is the integrity of the systems stability and control over keeping the data completely secured when being stored on the local hard drives as well as removable storage for backup AND when transmitting the data over the secured network via the internet. Is there not a way to allow encryption on all network traffic going out from this PC ?

Again remember I have other regular HOme PCs using the same aDSL line; 1 gaming PC, 1 the kids (Web surfing, IMs, music downloads, etc.) and 1 personal PC for me. All of that is on the same network.

Id like to add this Home/Office-PC but on its own network BUT use the same aDSL line which I think means a new modem, hardware firewall w/ router, and a private switch I think ?

[hecktic]

oops almost forgot, my budget is really as much as needed to get the proper configuration setup. But to show a number, I guess I will say under $3 to $2.5k including a flat screen LCD AND all licenses for any software needed like anti virus, etc.

I dont want to end up ordering extra stuff or the wrong stuff so your help would really be appreciated.

thanks

[NickS]

If the Data is that critical I'd go with a RAID1 array.

[hecktic]

If the Data is that critical I'd go with a RAID1 array.

thanks. What else ?

[hecktic]

hmmm so many motherboards to choose that offer raid... yet some of these P35 boards on the egg do not even mention what raid controller chip they use...

any recommendations for the motherboard guys?

[hecktic]

bump... anyone?

[hecktic]

Okay so here is what I think Im going to be getting due to my needs, which by the way also will be daily backups of streaming surveillance security footage from the office obtained via the internet.

PLease tell me if you guys think this is a good setup for my needs:

Case: Not decided yet
Hard Drives: 2 x 500GB 16mb cache SATA 300mb by WD in RAID 1
CPU: Not decided yet
Video Card: 8800 GT 512mb with undecided brand
Sound: Onboard sound
Monitor: Flat screen LCD 22 - 24" with undecided brand
Modem: D-Link aDSL
Firewall: Undecided
Switch: Undecided
External backup: 1 x 8gb flash drive & 1 x 160gb hard drive
Operating System: Windows VISTA Ultimate
Software: Undecided

any recommendations?

[hecktic]

bumpers