XAMPP and Skype-Port 80/443

[SimpleSi]

I'm playing with using my Wii as a media player (now that it does plays BBC Iplayer flash vids) and tried setting up a webserver on my machine using XAMPP.

 

Tried the lite version first - didn't work - said it couldn't open a port on 0.0.0.0:90 .

 

Tried main XAMPP package - same result.

 

Started to think was something hoggin port 80 - sure enough a port scanner showed in in use - thought B^&%&er - got some root kit on my machine!!

 

Eventually twigged that Skype was set to use 80/443 - closed Skype and I was in business!

 

Now, I started thinking - what diff will it make to the security of my home machines if I open up an incoming port for Skype instead of it using 80/443 - will I have to stay awake at nights watching out for evil incoming packets or does it make no actually difference.

 

regards

 

Simon

[kmount]

If its just for internal stuff, I don't see why you'd need to bother opening a port on the router from the outside>in.

[SimpleSi]

No - i use the skype for vid conferencing to family and friends.

 

regards

 

Simon