"Turning off my cable modem?"

My family just got a new computer with a cable modem. My step-father insists that we turn off the modem whenever we are not on the internet. I am not certain about this but I do not see any good coming from it. He insists it is to keep hackers out of our computer. I wanted to know if there are any repercussions of turning on and off our modem constantly. Would a firewall be a more reliable way of keeping hackers out? Thank you anyone who can help.

If he is "that paranoid" about getting hacked better stay off the internet completely. LOL

Firewalls are good. Software firewalls suck but make you think that you are protected, hardware firewalls via routers are the way to go if you want security. They make it extremely hard to get through unless you open up ports and don't have any idea what you are doing.

Mike

And now for your question:

The only problems I see in turning off and on your modem constantly is a sync issue. You should be fine however it will still take a few seconds to cycle through and pull and IP address. Also depends on your ISP.

Mike

You can turn it off if desired. Some modems have a on and off switch designed to turn off the connection to the computer but still keep the modem on AC wise. In most cases cable companies and ISPs need the modems on to monitor the modems on the systems to allow them to keep the noise and levels correct. Use a firewall and don't worry about turning it off.
Zone Alarm has a nice fire wall for free.

You can turn it off if you want. You'll just have to wait a few seconds to get your modem to re-sync with the provider. This WILL keep hackers out, but, I've been told that this doesn't really work because a hacker that wants you specifically, will monitor your IP address and attack once it is online. My best advice, get a router and a good antivirus utility.

Just leave it on... But buy a router, which masks your ip address... I think you can get a router for around 50ty up to 400dollars, just depends on your time vs. money. for example staying connected with a router enables connection24-7 and turning you modem off every day or whenever you turn it off could be an issuie falling into opportunity cost... That is what is best for you.