Re: Firewall: router vs. software

From: sponge (yosponge_at_yahoo.com)
Date: 02/02/04 

Date: 1 Feb 2004 18:38:48 -0800

"E" <E2@anywhare.com> wrote in message news:<3icTb.73650$Bj.58484@twister.tampabay.rr.com>...
> Okay team need to pick everyone's brains on this one. I have a router as
> well as software firewall setup for my home network. The Linksys router
> works great. The ZoneAlarm firewall works great as well. With the renewal
> coming up for the software firewall, would one recommend renewing it or just
> drop it and stay with the Linksys router and be done with it. Admin
> passwords have been changed and I make sure the firmware is current for the
> router.
>
> Thanks in advance for your feedback.
>
> E .

Depends what you want. I use Kerio 2.1.5, because it's extremely light
on resources, you can use freely-distributable rulesets, and is makes
up for the lack of configurability of toys like the Linksys. And, of
course, it provides outbound protection, which a router/hardware
firewall does not.

If you are using ZA's ad-blocking and other stuff, you can do that for
free with separate software, with even as little as a HOSTS file and
eDexter. However, some people like having all that stuff rolled into
one. Although I actually dislike "many-in-one" tools -- if that tool
gets nuked, you lose a lot more protection then you do with separate
utilities -- some people feel an "many-in-one" solution is right for
them. If you feel like taking the time to get a HOSTS file,
Proxomitron, DNSKong, etc. go for it. I and lots of other people can
help with that. If you prefer the "many-in-one" approach is worth the
money, renew ZA.

Just remember that a firewall is not a magic bullet; you still need
anti-virus and anti-spyware software, a hardened operating system and
browser, and a good dose of common sense on your travels about the
net.

Sponge
Sponge's Secure Solutions
www.geocities.com/yosponge
My new email: yosponge2 att yahoo dott com

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