Need a firewall software recommendation

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Mon May 03, 2004 6:20 pm

After reading the following CNN article http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/internet/0 ... index.html

I do belive I need better protection for my PC.....

Thanks.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Mon May 03, 2004 6:24 pm

I recommend just buying a DSL/Cable Router. Stay away from Software firewalls. For novices especially. Lots of port forwarding and messing that needs to be done to get it to work correctly. Not to mention constant popups. Routers are a lot easier to mess with. They do all that stuff for you for the most part.

If you've GOT to have one and don't wanna drop the scratch on a hardware firewall (router) just go with BlackIce.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Mon May 03, 2004 6:24 pm

"Cluley says a personal firewall should be installed by home broadband users. There are many available and some can be downloaded free from the Internet."

Any suggestions?

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Mon May 03, 2004 6:24 pm

Thanks Scott.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Mon May 03, 2004 6:26 pm

Are you running Windows XP? If so there is a built in firewall. Right click on My Computer, Properties and Firewall. You probably have to enable it.

Be sure to do the Windows Update and get all of the recent updates. It'll fill the security hole that was made by enabling that aspect of the OS.

mixdj1 · Post by **mixdj1** » Mon May 03, 2004 6:27 pm

If you're on broadband I would recommend a router with a built-in NAT firewall instead of a software solution. They can be had pretty cheaply now. I've seen them as low as $29.99. I would also recommend running Windows Update once a week. That on top of decent anti-virus software should have you covered. I do all three, have numerous computers online 24/7, and have yet to get bit by a single virus. Now spyware/adware is a whole different story.

mixdj1

EDIT: Doh! I guess I just type too slow.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Mon May 03, 2004 6:29 pm

mixdj1 wrote:If you're on broadband I would recommend a router with a built-in NAT firewall instead of a software solution.

That's what I said. It's always the best solution.

BTW...you have to have a router already don't ya Dan? If you're playin' Xbox online as well as browsing on the internet...or are you just switching cables?

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Mon May 03, 2004 6:35 pm

Running XP. You know what. I do believe I have my firewall protected via the instructions you told me Scott. Gonna be sure to check when I get home this evening though. I recall making sure my dad's PC had it enabled as well when that other nasty worm was going around. It actually affected my PC and I was on standard dial-up. Now, being on broadband, it's a hell of a lot faster to download the daily updates.

Each time I go on XBL, I just simply plug the ethernet cable from the Xbox and replace it with the cable that goes into the modem. It serves as a nice trip wire........for my son and dog. I'll invest in the wireless router before too long.

btmgov · Post by **btmgov** » Mon May 03, 2004 6:54 pm

The firewall built into to XP is not very reliable. One of the best software firewalls on the market is ZoneAlarm. It is very easy to install and use. The best part is it is also free for the basic firewall. The only difference between the basic and the Pro version is a few bells and whistles and some extra e-mail quarantining features. I have been using ZoneAlarm for quite a few years and have never had any problems with it at all. If you need any help with it, just give a yell. You can get it at www.zonealarm.com.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Mon May 03, 2004 7:23 pm

sportdan30 wrote:Each time I go on XBL, I just simply plug the ethernet cable from the Xbox and replace it with the cable that goes into the modem. It serves as a nice trip wire........for my son and dog. I'll invest in the wireless router before too long.

That's always best. Just pick up a linksys 802.11b for less than 50 and the wireless game adapter WGA-11 for another 60 or so and you've got a lovely setup for the Xbox. That's how I'm rollin'. Not to mention you get the router capabilities to protect your PC. Don't bother installing a software firewall if you're planning on doing that in the near future. Just use the built in XP firewall and you'll be fine. As long as it's not gonna take you three months to upgrade to wireless.

Badgun · Post by **Badgun** » Mon May 03, 2004 8:44 pm

I can also highly recommend Zone Alarm. Been using it for 3 years and never once had any problems. It's free and the program is updated regularly as well.

Murph · Post by **Murph** » Mon May 03, 2004 9:36 pm

Ditto on Zone Alarm. I actually use it with the XP firewall enabled with no conflicts or problems.

Another free software firewall is Kerio, just FYI.