I am running WinXP Pro. I’m connected to the internet via Sprint-aircard that I have plugged into a Linksys WRT54G3G-ST router. I have Norton Internet Security installed, but I’m about to dump for the free version of Avast Anti-virus. For a firewall, I have been considering Comodo or ZoneAlarm.
But, do I really need a software firewall? Could manage with Avast’s resident scanner? The router has a hardware firewall also. (I also use Ad-aware and Spybot for malware)
Could all this be enough?
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6 responses so far ↓
1 WiiPlus // Sep 25, 2008
A hardware firewall shouldn't be used as defense. You MUST have a software firewall for maximum protection.
Gun Clinger that's about as bad as you can get. Your computer must be riddled with viruses and spyware. Tsk tsk. Don't blame anyone for your identity being stolen.
2 joshua a // Sep 25, 2008
Yes always your computers firewall shall be on. If not, you,’ll have viruses.
3 lovs2jokearound // Sep 25, 2008
If you are using norton 360 internet then you shouldn’t have to worry. Firewall will not work with norton But if you don’t have Norton’s 360 then you may want to down load AVG for free and then turn of your firewall
4 djmaxx007 // Sep 25, 2008
If you have a hardware firewall in the router, dump your software firewall. It is redundant and slows down your computer for no reason. One firewall is enough. Even with a firewall, you still need an antivirus/antispyware program. Things that come through the firewall like e-mail and certain web pages could be infected with spyware. Those three are all you need.
A firewall doesn't protect you from viruses. It protects you from hackers trying to access your computer and from programs trying to download viruses to it. Once the program establishes a connection, it can then download a virus. A firewall prevents such connections. A virus program protects the computer from stuff that you let past the firewall like downloading an infected file that you allow the firewall to let pass through. Two firewalls are pointless. Hardware firewall is faster.
5 Im a Gun Clinger // Sep 25, 2008
I haven’t had a firewall turned on in 7 years and I run an online business. I am extremely careful about where I visit and what emails I open. This is not the best idea, but I haven’t had any problems in 7 years.
When I do the math of what it would cost to run spyware, firewalls, virus protection and other security programs overt he last 7 years, I could have used the money to buy a new computer.
I often run free checks via Trend Micro, or Spybot Search & Destroy. Spybot is a must-have in my opinion and can be downloaded for free at http://www.Download.com
6 Andre J // Sep 25, 2008
A hardware Firewall should be sufficient the only reason it wouldn’t be is if you are already infected with Spyware, I.E. a malicious program on your computer is trying to send your credit card/ or other personal information out back to the writer of the software. A software Firewall overall is great for protecting the information that is being sent from your computer but nothing tops a hardware Firewall. If they break down your hardware firewall chances are they will crumble your software Firewall; very few people actually suffer from a direct attack.
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