Firewalls

[gyrlwriter]

:unsure:
Ok...I need some help...
I'm trying to find a good firewall to work with XP...that search led me here, looking for an older version of Zone Alarm. But really, I don't know what I'm looking for. In fact, I'm wondering, do I really even need a firewall, it's not like there is anything "important" in my computer...I don't have naked pics or anything personal...So I'd appreciate any input on firewalls - the good, the bad, the ugly...what works well with XP (free is best&#33 Anybody out there have any recommendations???
Thanks for your help...it's greatly appreciated!
Mandi

[epp_b]

Yes, ZoneAlarm is usually pretty good. Check the system requirements, though. Don't use Norton IS fireware, though. It's buggy and doesn't interact well with Windows Explorer. If you use DSL or Cable, get a firewall, right away! If not (56k, dial-up, whatever), it's not as much of an issue. But, regardless, it's always a good idea to protect your computer from unwanted visitors by means of a firewall -- even if you don't have anything extremely important on it.

[OldVersion.com Admin]

Windows XP comes with a built in firewall as well. Might want to give that some consideration.

[zack]

You don't need a firewall. This is absolute nonsense. It makes absolutely no difference at all if you are on cable or are on dialup. The notion that everyone needs a firewall is just hype from symantec, network associates, Zone Labs, etc. By default, nobody is going to be able to get into your computer. Only way is if they somehow installed a trojan that grants them access.

All you really need is an Anti-Virus program. You don't even need that if you practice safe computing. Anti Virus software will get rid of almost all trojans, in effect shutting down a potential intruder's access to your computer.

If you want a firewall, I can NOT recommend any software firewall. These can be disabled fairly easily by a malicious program. Get yourself a hardware router designed for cable/dsl internet access. Most of these come with 4 port switches and have NAT and are perfectly effective as a firewall. You can open and forward ports as needed, and most have filtering capabilities as well. I recommend a Netgear RP114 (if you can still find it) or the (plastic) RP614. A hardware firewall is the most secure option as it goes between your computer and internet connection. No software can get around it.

[OldVersion.com Admin]

Originally posted by zack@Dec 24 2002, 07:08 PM
You don't need a firewall. This is absolute nonsense. It makes absolutely no difference at all if you are on cable or are on dialup. The notion that everyone needs a firewall is just hype from symantec, network associates, Zone Labs, etc. By default, nobody is going to be able to get into your computer. Only way is if they somehow installed a trojan that grants them access.

All you really need is an Anti-Virus program. You don't even need that if you practice safe computing. Anti Virus software will get rid of almost all trojans, in effect shutting down a potential intruder's access to your computer.

If you want a firewall, I can NOT recommend any software firewall. These can be disabled fairly easily by a malicious program. Get yourself a hardware router designed for cable/dsl internet access. Most of these come with 4 port switches and have NAT and are perfectly effective as a firewall. You can open and forward ports as needed, and most have filtering capabilities as well. I recommend a Netgear RP114 (if you can still find it) or the (plastic) RP614. A hardware firewall is the most secure option as it goes between your computer and internet connection. No software can get around it.

Well, it is true that firewalls are usually not necessery, however you make it seem as it's rather difficult for people to hack into a computer. It's not, not with Windows. Especially for people that do not update their computer. If someone wants to harm you badly enough, they will. Whether it's a DoS attack (some may consider that 'kiddy scripts' but they are highly effective and rather of an annoyance) or whether someone attempts to completely root your access. They can just scan for open ports with a simple program, then search for known exploits that can be completed on those ports. Software firewalls will help you stop it, but hardware firewalls are much more effective, as you pointed out.

Your computer is always vulnerable, it is more stealthy with a software firewall, and even harder to crack with a hardware one. However, it can be penetrated if a hacker willing enough and diligent enough to hack you. You should password protect the administrator account, and be weary at running FTP, or web servers. If you are just a normal non-poweruser a firewall may not be required. It depends on whether you are willing enough to take the risk. I would just recommend turning on the firewall that is built into Windows XP, make sure you configure it properly with the ports you should open (ask yourself whether you use AIM and open the port for 'direct connection' and etc).

[Simon]

A software firewall will, as some of you have pointed out, are not absolute protection against hackers, especially not if you have no AV program and so no protection against trojan horses that you could get by e-mail. BUT, it is still a good idea to have one, for one good reason: if someone wants to try and get into a system just for the hell of it and does a port scan if you've got a software firewall, is s/he going to try for the poor newbie's system with no security patches and most ports left open, or you, with automatic bad packet deflection and stealthed ports?

BTW, if you find that you have some problems with zonealarm (some people do), try Agnitum Outpost http://www.agnitum.com/products/outpost/ (it's free).

[Mecka Car]

Hello All.

Speakng of firewalls..

Is there any firewall software that will run on Windows 3.11 platform? I tried older versions of Zone alarm from the site, but they do not appear to install, nor to run properly.

I know that 3.1 does not have the concept of registry like 9x does, but I would feel safer on line with DSL with firewall protection,

Thanks.

[Guest]

Okey, lets sumarize: You do not need a firewall to protect your comp if you do not have anything of importance stashed in it. Well, it's true... But (and it is a big but) what if someone gets access to your comp and uses it to store files with illegal content or uses it as a nod in a dos-attack? Would you like to be part of something like that? Do not think so. (and this is not mumbo jumbo - it can happen, and is likely to happen! The easiest way protect yourself from this is to have a firewall, but if you do not want one - use something that can meassure your connection so that you can see if your comp is transmitting data when you not use any services.

[igor]

This is an argument that has no right answer. Even the most secure servers (Pentagon, FBI, etc.) that have dozens of professionals in charge of security still get hacked. On the other hand, there are numerous regular home computers that use absolutely no protection, but have never been attacked.

A firewall is a security measure. If you lock the door to your house, you not decreasing the chances of being robbed by a lot, but most people still do it.

- Igor

[YUorME]

if you find that you have some problems with zonealarm (some people do), try Agnitum Outpost http://www.agnitum.com/products/outpost/ (it's free).

This piece of software is really something! It has so many features and is probably one of the easiests software firewalls to use. (ZoneAlarm is the easiest but its becoming buggy) It also includes ad blocking, content (porn etc.) blocking, popup blocking and some malicious script protection as well. it also detects trojans by constantly checking your internet accessing programs so it displays a warning every time the program changes. Considering it free, its a great piece of software to get.

The address is again: http://www.agnitum.com/products/outpost/Outpost Firewall