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5648
December 10th, 2003 18:00
Firewall w/ router ?????
I have a DSL modem connected to newly installed Netgear WGR614 G router.
I have desktop PC connected to router via ethernet cable and new notebook connected to router via wireless.
I am looking for a definitive answer as to whether or not the hardware router eliminates the need for a software firewall.
Question1: is it a good idea to run a software firewall (like Norton personal firewall or ZoneAlarm) on your PC if there is a hardware router between your PC and DSL modem? Or is it unnecessary?
Question2: is it a good idea to run a software firewall on your notebook when you are connecting to internet via a public wireless hotspot (like Starbucks)?
Thanks much!
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jpm121
2 Intern
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133 Posts
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December 10th, 2003 18:00
Answer 1: Yes, a software firewall is a good idea because it gives you visibility and control over what is going OUT onto the internet from your machine. NAT routers (which are "sort of" firewalls) allow anything and everything to go out, including spyware, trojans, loggers, etc.
Answer 2: I think you know my answer to this: an EMPHATIC YES!
Bri-guy
8 Posts
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December 10th, 2003 20:00
thanks for the reply jpm...
i just discovered that there is a built in Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) in Windows XP installed on my new laptop.
Do you think activating the ICF in XP would suffice or do i need to purchase 3rd party firewall (Nortons, ZoneAlarm, etc)... From the little i've read, I suspect that XP's ICF may also lack in terms of protecting against outbound threats. ... I still don't quite have a handle on this. Why am i concerned about stuff leaving my computer???? Is that becuz i may have a virus or malicious program sending out restricted info?
Recommendations?........
Thanks
purrplexed
342 Posts
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December 10th, 2003 21:00
jpm121
2 Intern
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133 Posts
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December 10th, 2003 21:00
bri, since you're behind a router the XP "firewall" is redundant -- performs no purpose whatsoever. It's only an ingres firewall. ZA, Norton, etc are egress (meaning outgoing) firewalls.
You can download the free version of zonealarm to try it out, then upgrade to the pro version if you want more control over stuff.
And you'll certainly be surpised about all the programs that use your internet connection -- Realplayer, for example, goes out and downloads new ads whenever it feels like it, and who knows what it reports back to the home planet? Your listening habits, perhaps? There's a lot of programs that do this sort of thing, even if not for malevolent purposes. I like to at least see what's happening and be able to permit or deny it.
Bri-guy
8 Posts
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December 10th, 2003 22:00
that makes sense!
thanks very much!
jsapyta
83 Posts
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December 11th, 2003 02:00
If you belive you have a virus or malicious program running, I can suggested a couple of things.
1) Get a virus program on it right away, you might have Macafee, on your system, I don't know what you have. and scan it.
2) As for a malicious programs you think you have, I go get Spy-bot Search and destroy, and Adaware. Sorry don't have the URL of them handy, but I do have them on two machines. Either one or both of them will help you find those malicious programs and get them out of your system.
Jsapyta