Do I need a software firewall??

[PETE]

Hello,

I have recently added a router to the network at home & am wondering whether i still need a software firewall. I have been using Zonealam up until now. I know the router will not stop any outgoing traffic but I am more concerned about incoming.

Thanks,

Pete.

[vass0922]

Depends on your router, some do not include any firewall or even NAT services.

What router are you using?

I'd still suggest using a software firewall regardless for outbound connections, and possible virus infections within your internal network from other machines or even your own.

[PETE]

Hi Vass,

This pdf
is the spec sheet.

Thanks for the reply.

Pete

[VHockey86]

Other than system resources you have nothing to lose...
I still use Zone Alarm behind my linksys router.

[sweeper2]

I use a cable modem/router from my local cable company with a wireless modem on my daughters pc also, but i have pccillion on both pc's with the firewall enabled. Don't seem to have any problems and it can't hurt to be safe, then sorry later.

[Dooin' it]

Forgive me for butting in with a backward question........

How about no firewall running *only* ZoneAlarm?? Good enough??

I haven't decided on router yet and only need internet access on one computer at the moment so I'm just running straight from modem to PC and using Zone Alarm. TIA

[sweeper2]

that's what i did for a long time using a standard cable modem from local cable company. worked fine.

[nunyadam]

I still like that one more layer of protection.

[blubomber]

I too am running my cable modem directly into my PC. i have the XP firewall running and that is it for firewall. It kept out blaster and all those other viruses.

[VHockey86]

Originally posted by blubomber
I too am running my cable modem directly into my PC. i have the XP firewall running and that is it for firewall. It kept out blaster and all those other viruses.

well... blaster was more a windows update issue with the RPC buffer underun than it had to do with any kind of firewall.. but enjoy the luck while you have it I guess.

I would highly suggest getting a better firewall, especially with the quality of the ones you can get for free (Zone alarm for example), go for it.