[jimboy]

Hey guys, I have a D-link DIR-625 Rangebooster N Router and it has a built-in firewall on it. My question will be if its a total protection against any malicious intent or hackers in the internet. I basically using Mcafee firewall (free for comcast user) but I guess I switch back on Zonealarm coz I simply thinks im more secure on it.

But again, I have my Hardware firewall already protecting me. Do you think I need to install a 2nd firewall just for 2nd line of defense?

I scan my pc w/o any firewall installed including windows firewall on GRC website and its all passed the test. That is why I'm asking if I should need any more firewall to protect me? I'm networking at home that is why I want to asked for your comment. If I do needs it, which FREE firewall is best at network?

Thank you so much guys for the time :up:

 

[Jackiefrost9]

I've just been behind my router's firewall for a very long time now and i have never had a problem with it. You should be just fine without having one installed on your computer. An antivirus is still a good thing to have. I use AVG free.

 

[JohnWill]

The only reason for a software firewall is to protect against malware phoning home. If you keep the system clean, the router's firewall will keep the external threads at bay.

 

[mattice06082]

I don't use a software firewall either and have never had a problem. As long as you practice safe browsing you should be fine. If you'd feel better, Steve Gibson recommends the Sunbelt Kerio Free Firewall.

 

[jimboy]

Thanks guys I think I will just install antivirus and antispyware just to be on the safe side.

 

[JohnWill]

You should most CERTAINLY have AV and spyware protection.

 

[MSM Hobbes]

Partial hijack of the thread...

Is a Netgear router [having both NAT + SPI firewalls built-in] sufficient firewall protection?

Or, is turning on the OS's built-in s/w firewall is (a) absolutely required, (b) nice if you want to, or (c) just a source of potential problems/conflicts?

 

[JohnWill]

It is for me, but others will have a different opinion.

The Windows firewall really duplicates the protection of the hardware firewall. As long as you don't run across issues getting other networking to work with it, it won't hurt you.

 

[Jackiefrost9]

yeah the windows firewall doesn't really interfere with networking since it's the windows firewall, plus it usually gets turned back on after you turn it off anyway, so it doesn't really matter. I have it on just because I haven't taken the time to select the other box. I don't really count it as a firewall though.

Anyway Hobbes my answer would be answer b.
When i was messing around with trojans (that's as far into that as we're going to go) I found it impossible to connect when the computer was behind a router just because of the router firewall. There is a way to get around this though by going through a "handshake" like process but nobody who knows how to do that would take the time to try to compromise your computer anyway. Plus you should have an antivirus, and once again anyone who knows how to make a virus undetectable wouldn't take the time to target your computer.

 

[uness]

i am definitely not as computer savvy as many other posters so i just wanted some confirmation on what i understand.

recently got a new router as our old one was zapped in an electrical storm. we now use LINKSYS Broadband Firewall Router BEFSX41 and also use Avira AntiVir Personal Edition Classic and SUPERantiSpyware Free edition to protect against viruses and malware. currently also use COMODO Firewall Pro cuz that's what has been drilled into me, to always have firewall protection.

according to the thread, COMODO would be overkill as my router comes with a Firewall, which is what i understand (please correct me if i'm wrong) to be the hardware firewall vs. COMODO which is the software firewall. now is this the case for all routers, that they automatically come with a firewall or is it just specific ones that state that they are Firewall Routers? and is it safe to assume that all routers that come with firewall protection are the same or does that make as much of a difference?

thank you and i appreciate any responses to my first post to the forum


FYI learning from our mistake, we also use a BELKIN surge protector to route our cable modem line.

 

[Jackiefrost9]

the router firewall will protect your from anything trying to get to your computer from the outside, however it will not protect you very well from programs on your computer connecting from the inside out. If you've already purchased the firewall for your computer then just keep it on there, it's not hurting anything and you're just that much safer while on the internet.