XP Firewall, Norton Personal Firewall, Linksys Router (BEFW11S4) Conflicts-HELP???

I've also read that in my research (thanks for the article link). But the Linksys response from their support, which discourages using software firewalls with their routers, confused me. Not only does Dell sell their PC's now WITH Norton Internet Security which includes the Norton Personal Firewall. They also sell routers, their brand and Linksys, which all have firewalls.

Also, Dell recommends using XP Professional which has the XP Firewall. So what does Dell recommend? Using the XP Firewall or the Norton Personal Firewall?? Which is better?

And, which of these may have conflicts with the Linksys router, which is one of the routers they recommend when putting together a network? :smileysurprised:

More confirmation that you're good to go.

http://www.linksys.com/edu/page7.asp

Thanks everyone for all your responses. It is interesting how different the feedback is. Linksys support now sent me an updated response:

Thank you for contacting Linksys Customer Support.

There is no conflict with the router and Norton Internet security, but let me just tell you that you must know how to use this Norton software because Linksys technical support doesn’t provide technical support and configuration of the firewall/internet security software.

Then I found a response in the Infopackets Windows Newsletter from a  person with a question similar to mine while researching:

RE: " I have a LinkSys Router. Do I need to turn off the Windows Firewall after installing SP2? "

I'm not sure why your friend told you this, but you shouldn't have to disable the Windows Firewall if you have a LinkSys -- or any brand name -- router installed on your PC. There are, however, some program (or "software") incompatibilities with the new Windows firewall. On a side note, you can refer to Microsoft's KB article #884130, which details a number "programs that experience a loss of functionality" due to the Windows Firewall.

RE: " Is it necessary to apply XP Service Pack 2 since my router acts like a firewall? "

The short answer is: Yes. And just to clarify, Service Pack 2 addresses *much* more than just security issues with the new Windows Firewall. For a list of "top 10" reasons to install Service Pack 2, you can refer to Microsoft's "top 10 reasons to install Service Pack 2" page.

Having said that, I'm not sure if what you meant to ask was "Do I need to use a software firewall even though my router acts like a hardware firewall?" In this case, a router ("hardware firewall") may not be enough to stop a hacker, simply because:

a) the router may not be configured properly and could allow hackers into your system without you realizing it. On a side note, some routers have blank admin passwords by default; subsequently, a hacker *may* be able to access your system without restriction if it allows "remote access changes" to its configuration.

b) the router, although considered "hardware", operates from software built into the router; hence, there is always a chance that the software inside the router can be flawed. Case and point: a little while back, pcWorld published an article which describes a security flaw that was found in a LinkSys router.

c) routers typically don't offer a high level "activity log" so that you can see who's attacking what communication port. Subsequently, you may not know to properly resolve a problem (if one arises).

RE: " Can I use Norton Firewall and the Windows Firewall at the same time? "

Short answer: Not Recommended. Having two firewalls installed on your PC can severely complicate issues, as it may cause some programs (which require network access) from functioning properly.

RE: " Should I disable the Windows Firewall? "

Short Answer: Yes. The Windows Firewall, as we have discussed previously in the newsletter, only blocks incoming traffic (not outgoing -- which is problematic if you get attacked with Spyware). I personally don't have experience with Norton Firewall, but I do highly recommend Zone Alarm; it's free and blocks both incoming / outgoing communication.

So I guess it's OK to use a software and hardware firewall at the same time. Most responses I found don't seem to express much confidence in the XP firewall. Also, many seem to highly recommend Zone Alarm products. So I may fully investigate their stuff before deciding whether to renew with Norton. My Linksys router has been fully configured with WEP encryption. So I want to make sure there isn't any problems with whatever software firewall I choose.

If anyone out there has any experience with the Zone Alarm stuff, feel free to express it. :smileyhappy:

Runner:

Excellent post. Thanks for providing an update and summary of your situation.

By the way, AFAIK, Windows will disable its own firewall if it detects a third-party firewall. I know this to be true of my system.

During my research, I've come across a combination Antivirus/Firewall called The Shield Pro 2005. Check out the reviews at these sites:

http://www.alcatrazsecurity.net/antivirus-review-p3.shtml

http://antivirus-software.6starreviews.com/?Refer=Goog&Keyword=antivirus%20review

Both reviews give it top marks over Norton or anything else. Has anyone in this forum had any experience with Shield Pro? :smileyhappy:

Update: As impressive as Shield Pro 2005 sounds, when I inquired about the firewall issue, I got this:

Unfortunately The Shield Firewall will not work with any router and conflicts with the XP firewall. If you are interested in our software, you can purchase The Shield Deluxe which includes the Virobot antivirus and Privacy Defender spyware removal. We offer installation guides for both and a complete manual for Virobot on the PCSS website. I apologize for this inconvenience.

Robyn A

Customer Service Manager
PCSecurityShield
PO Box 7492
Delray Beach Fl 33482

http://pcss.blogster.com

Now I'm again wondering about all firewalls. Guess I'll check out Zone Alarm. This issue makes PC life interesting! :robothappy: