Firewalls quick question

Simon_B_2

My router has a firewall do I need a separate one on the computer as well?

Browntoa

if it's only the built in one I would use a siftware one as well as it gets updated, the router one does not

Simon_B_2

Thanks, i'm off to have a look at some free ones, are there any recommendations?

wolfman

Yeah, it's advisable.

The router (hardware) firewall and software firewall are different and both have their pro's and con's. Using both is a very good combination, and provides layered protection.

Just having a hardware firewall can be very limiting. It for example (unless you really know what you're doing) only provides inbound (not outbound) protection. It also blocks anything on a given port, whereas a software firewall can work on a per application basis.

Something like Sunbelt Kerio Personal Firewall or ZoneAlarm are good options and both free. I personally have always used Sunbelt Kerio Personal Firewall.

Simon_B_2

Thanks, i'm going to give comodo a try first and see how that goes :beer:

TheFaqqer

It's always worth having an extra layer of security!

I use Sunbelt/Kerio Personal Firewall, which I found much easier to use and install than Zone Alarm. My other machines run McAfee Security Suite, but I'll probably move to a free one when the licence runs out.

Faqqer

symy@nufc

comodo for me! been using it for awhile now

Simon_B_2

Thanks, what's the advantage over the Microsoft one that comes built in ?

albertross_2

If you are talking XP, the 3rd party ones warn you if something attempts to make a connection to the internet. Vista has outbound protection.

However, if as most people do, you answer allow to every popup that comes up, there is no difference.

The router with NAT should protect you from the outside, in.

Need_More_Money_2

I've been using Comodo. It gets very good reviews on the leak tests, but I find it has some very odd bugs.