How many firewalls?

melbury

I am sure I read somewhere that you shouldn't have two firewalls running on your computer.

As there is a firewall in my internet security package with Kaspersky, I have switched off the Microsoft one. Is this a stupid thing to do?

Thanks.

superscaper

Nope that's the right thing to do. Although it should have switched it off automatically when installed.

On your pc you should only have one software firewall since it takes control of your open and closed ports and the traffic through them. Having 2 programs doing that would inevitably cause conflicts.

NickMidgley

Running a software firewall and a hardware firewall (such as one in a router) together is different, though.

superscaper

NickMidgley wrote: »

Running a software firewall and a hardware firewall (such as one in a router) together is different, though.

Yep very true.

melbury

NickMidgley wrote: »

Running a software firewall and a hardware firewall (such as one in a router) together is different, though.

No sure what you mean by that:eek: I have switched off the Windows firewall.

superscaper

melbury wrote: »

No sure what you mean by that:eek: I have switched off the Windows firewall.

You shouldn't have two software firewalls switched on, but it's fine to have a software firewall and a hardware firewall. E.g. like the one built into many routers. Completely separate from your computer. If you're not sure don't worry about it.

timbim_2

Anyone know if using an old computer with an appropriate linux distro installed connected and set up as a firewall is any better than the ones you get in routers if you don't want to start being clever with open and closed ports (which I don't at the moment)?

superscaper

timbim wrote: »

Anyone know if using an old computer with an appropriate linux distro installed connected and set up as a firewall is any better than the ones you get in routers if you don't want to start being clever with open and closed ports (which I don't at the moment)?

I wouldn't know if it's better or worse. Maybe a bit "cooler" though as you've got far more flexibility with your own firewall PC. Plus you can always do other stuff with it as well (make it a server etc). But I don't personally see why it would be any worse than a router firewall. Pretty much the same.

Dime_Bar

I dont think you would get much benefit, unless your setting up complicated rules. However even if you are think of the costs\planet.

If you want something more configurable have a look on ebay for a ex-corporate firewall which can be bought pretty cheap, running cost should be much lower.