router firewall

chin_2

Hi,

I'm thinking about buying Netgear router WGT624 as I've just bought a new DELL laptop. This may sound stupid, but as the router has an inbuilt firewall, do I disable my McAfee firewall and use the routers? or continue to use McAfee?

Also, can anyone say if this is the best value router - or recommend another DSL router? I don't have much knowledge of these things.

wolfman

Always have a software firewall. A hardware firewall is great at stopping any inbound attacks. The standard one you get on a router is merely a port blocker so it can't determine what is using the port, merely that it is being used.

A software firewall will provide outbound protection (stop keyloggers sending info home) and also block per application (not per port). Also a router firewall is only useful for external attacks. Once something is inside your network you won't be protected by it's firewall.

Both are worth having, and they compliment one another.

chin_2

That's great. Thanks for the prompt and helpful reply.

:beer:

wiraone

Before you go and order the WGT624, please visit Netgear's forum first ..

http://forum1.netgear.com/support/viewforum.php?f=6

There're many Netgear WGT624 owners having problem with their routers due to overheating.

I'll suggest to go for Linksys WRT54GS instead.

scottishnellie

Thanks for the advice bought the linksys WRT54GS . Just waitting for laptop to arrive . Thanks Again