The Cisco ASA 5500 is the new Cisco firewall model series which followed the successful Cisco PIX firewall appliance. Cisco calls the ASA 5500 a “security appliance” instead of just a “hardware firewall”, because the ASA is not just a firewall. This device combines several security functionalities, such as Intrusion Detection, Intrusion Prevention, Content Inspection, Botnet Inspection, in addition to the firewall functionality.

However, the core ASA functionality is to work as a high performance firewall. All the other security features are just complimentary services on top of the firewall functionality. Having said that, the purpose of a network firewall is to protect computer and IT resources from malicious sources by blocking and controlling traffic flow. The Cisco ASA firewall achieves this traffic control using Access Control Lists (ACL).

An ACL is a list of rules with permit or deny statements. Basically an Access Control List enforces the security policy on the network. The ACL (list of policy rules) is then applied to a firewall interface, either on the inbound or on the outbound traffic direction. If the ACL is applied on the inbound traffic direction (in), then the ACL is applied to traffic entering a firewall interface. The opposite happens for ACL applied to the outbound (out) direction.

The ACL permit or deny statements basically consist of source and destination IP addresses and ports. A permit ACL statement allows the specified source IP address/network to access the specified destination IP address/network. The opposite happens for deny ACL statements. At the end of the ACL, the firewall inserts by default an implicit DENY ALL statement rule which is not visible in the configuration.

Enough theory so far. Let us see some examples below to clarify what we have said above.

The basic command format of the Access Control List is the following:

ciscoasa(config)# access-list “access_list_name” extended {deny | permit} protocol “source_address” “mask” [source_port] “dest_address” “mask” [ dest_port]

To apply the ACL on a specific interface use the access-group command as below:

ciscoasa(config)# access-group “access_list_name” [in|out] interface “interface_name”

Example1:

Allow only http traffic from inside network 10.0.0.0/24 to outside internet

ciscoasa(config)# access-list HTTP-ONLY extended permit tcp 10.0.0.0 255.255.255.0 any eq 80

ciscoasa(config)# access-group HTTP-ONLY in interface inside

The name “HTTP-ONLY” is the Access Control List itself, which in our example contains only one permit rule statement. Remember that there is an implicit DENY ALL rule at the end of the ACL which is not shown by default.

Example2:

Deny telnet traffic from host 10.1.1.1 to host 10.2.2.2 and allow everything else.

ciscoasa(config)# access-list DENY-TELNET extended deny tcp host 10.1.1.1 host 10.2.2.2 eq 23

ciscoasa(config)# access-group DENY-TELNET in interface inside

The above example ACL (DENY-TELNET) contains two rule statements, one deny and one permit. As we mentioned above, the “access-group” command applies the ACL to an interface (either to an inbound or to an outbound direction).

Example3:

The example below will deny ALL TCP traffic from our internal network 192.168.1.0/24 towards the external network 200.1.1.0/24. Also, it will deny HTTP traffic (port 80) from our internal network to the external host 210.1.1.1. All other traffic will be permitted from inside.

ciscoasa(config)# access-list INSIDE_IN extended deny tcp 192.168.1.0 255.255.255.0 200.1.1.0 255.255.255.0

ciscoasa(config)# access-group INSIDE_IN in interface inside

Long days on the keyboard can take their toll on a person. While it may not be a physical job, typing all day can create some serious physical problems. Among the benefits of using voice recognition software is much less wear and tear on your wrists and fingers. In addition, you may just find that the words are hitting the paper quicker than ever before.

Carpel tunnel syndrome is a real problem for people that work on their computer all day long. Even with the best gel pads for your keyboard and mouse, the chances of escaping from pain after eight-hour days on the computer is very slim. By using this type of programming, you are eliminating the pain from ever getting a chance to fester.

The average person cannot type very quickly. Even in the day and age of the computer, there are quite a few “hunt and peck” style typists. It is rare for someone to be able to type 60 words a minute unless they have had formal training for typing. When used properly, voice recognition software can reach well over 100 words per minute.

Corrections will often create a challenge in terms of time management. To find the word and then type in the right word or phrase can take quite a bit of time. In order to make corrections with voice recognition software, you need merely speak the proper command and the word is found. Say the correction and you are on to the next correction.

Since documents are now being done quicker, this means that you stand the chance to make a lot more money than ever before. If you are typing for a living, you will now be able to get the work done in about half the time. This means that twice as much can be done every day, meaning more profits to put into the bank.

Of course, you can also bank the time if you prefer. Perhaps the decision will be made to continue with the current volume, but enjoy a little more free time. Instead of spending 10-12 hours a day at the computer, a normal eight hour day can be enjoyed and the wife and kids may even start to know your name again.

Voice recognition software may not be the greatest invention ever, but for those of us that spend our days hitting the keys, it is pretty close. Even if it is only used for relief when your wrists start to throb, it is a great investment. In addition, once you have the software, it is yours forever. From that day forward, typing happens faster and more importantly, will now be pain free. The most decent Voice Recognition Software on the market today is Dragon Naturally Speaking. Take a look at this tool on its official website.

Speak-to-type programs are software tools that use speech recognition technology to literally enable your computer to type whatever you are saying. However, while these programs offer many benefits, they need to be used properly in order for them to be effective. Here are a few tips to get the most out of your new speech recognition software.

Microphone Quality:
Many of the software programs on the market today will feature a free microphone with the purchase. In many cases, the microphone is of very low quality and while it is usable, it will hardly pick up the nuances that a top of the line microphone can. When possible, invest in high-end microphone.

Training the software:
This is a huge part of voice recognition software and one that many people do not take the time to do properly. It is important to pay attention in the very beginning to see how much of a problem the software is having picking up your accent and voice inflections. Take the time to notice this and it can make things go smoother down the road.

Proper Annunciation:
Many of us have forgotten how to annunciate words. This is a major factor in voice recognition technology and if you are not opening up your mouth and saying the words properly, the software will have little chance of actually getting the word right. Make sure you say every syllable and say them clearly.

Talk Slow:
This is especially true in the very beginning. Over time, the software will get better at picking up your voice when speaking quicker, but give it time to learn how you say the words. While you do not have to talk ridiculously slow, speak a little slower than conversational tone over the first few weeks.

Use the software All The Time:
A lot of people will only use the program sparingly and this defeats the purpose of having it in the first place. Most programs can also be used for surfing the web. This added practice will benefit the training of the software and also keep you focused on talking the right way when using it.

Nobody wants to spend all day typing out documents. Speech recognition software is a great way to get all of your computer tasks done quicker. By taking the time to train yourself and software, your chances of continuing to use the program increases, as does the accuracy rating of the software itself. If you are interested to purchase a voice recognition software, the best one on the market today is Dragon NaturallySpeaking by nuance.com. Visit the official website of Dragon Speech Recognition to read about its features and benefits that make this tool the top in its class.