Internet logging software ?

jonnyquest · 05-24-08, 08:04 AM

Is there software that makes a log of internet traffic? Sometimes when I first start my computer (I normally shut it down every night), my modem lights start flashing, indicating some internet communication is happening, before I even start my browser. Usually lasts for maybe 30 seconds or less. So, is there a way to find out what this communication is, what site is being contacted, to be sure it's not something nefarious going on? I suspect it is likely some automatic update feature of a software application, but I would like to know that for sure.

al_bundy · 05-24-08, 08:47 AM

you can get a router to put between your PC and modem and that will have logging capabilities

or if you have time and patience, build a linux server and put it between your PC and modem. there are apps on linux that will log everything as well

jonnyquest · 05-24-08, 09:23 AM

I have a router, but didn't know it could do that. I just went into the router configuration and found it. Thanks!

Dr Mabuse · 05-24-08, 11:05 AM

the lights flashing at boot are most likely the RARP and etc. activity going on to configure and establish DHCP on the NIC...

not to worry there...

logging is always cool and a good idea though...

jonnyquest · 05-24-08, 01:48 PM

Well, I enabled logging on my router, and did some typical web stuff for a while, then decided to take a look at the log. The "Outgoing Log" is a long list of various IP addresses under column heading "Destination URL/IP". But the "Incoming Log" is empty, only column headings "Source IP" and "Destination Port Number" with nothing listed below, just a blank page. What am I missing? I would expect to see activity in both incoming and outgoing logs. My setup is DSLmodem-->router-->PC

05-24-08, 08:04 AM	#1
jonnyquest Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 561	Internet logging software ? Is there software that makes a log of internet traffic? Sometimes when I first start my computer (I normally shut it down every night), my modem lights start flashing, indicating some internet communication is happening, before I even start my browser. Usually lasts for maybe 30 seconds or less. So, is there a way to find out what this communication is, what site is being contacted, to be sure it's not something nefarious going on? I suspect it is likely some automatic update feature of a software application, but I would like to know that for sure.

05-24-08, 11:05 AM	#4
Dr Mabuse DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: 75 clicks above the Do Lung bridge... Posts: 18,951	the lights flashing at boot are most likely the RARP and etc. activity going on to configure and establish DHCP on the NIC... not to worry there... logging is always cool and a good idea though... __________________ "The moral order is inverted. The criminal class is in power. We are the prey. Bradley Manning, in a just society, would be a prosecution witness against war criminals. Those who committed these crimes should be facing prison. But we do not live in a just society." - Chris Hedges

05-24-08, 08:47 AM	#2
al_bundy DVD Talk Hero Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: in da cloud Posts: 26,196	you can get a router to put between your PC and modem and that will have logging capabilities or if you have time and patience, build a linux server and put it between your PC and modem. there are apps on linux that will log everything as well

05-24-08, 09:23 AM	#3
jonnyquest Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 561	I have a router, but didn't know it could do that. I just went into the router configuration and found it. Thanks!

05-24-08, 01:48 PM	#5
jonnyquest Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 561	Well, I enabled logging on my router, and did some typical web stuff for a while, then decided to take a look at the log. The "Outgoing Log" is a long list of various IP addresses under column heading "Destination URL/IP". But the "Incoming Log" is empty, only column headings "Source IP" and "Destination Port Number" with nothing listed below, just a blank page. What am I missing? I would expect to see activity in both incoming and outgoing logs. My setup is DSLmodem-->router-->PC