Re: do I need a software firewall

From: Michael Pelletier (mjpelletier_at_mjpelletier.com)
Date: 04/11/05 

Date: Sun, 10 Apr 2005 18:09:10 -0700

Malke wrote:

> Michael Pelletier wrote:
>
>> D@annyBoy wrote:
>>
>>> connecting to the Net via a wirelss adsl router (not sure whether
>>> there's a built in hardware firewall)
>>> do I really need a software firewall?
>>>
>>
>> It is a good idea to have a firewall. However, remember protecting
>> yourself by increasing your security has many parts. It is good system
>> administration (not giving yourself local administrator privs,
>> disabling active-x, etc) keeping up to date with patches, using anti
>> virus software, using anti spyware software...and many, many more.
>>
>> If you do all these things then using a firewall is a good idea. If
>> you do not do these things I suggest you start...
>>
>> Michael
>
> I'd just like to add this little bit to Mr. Pelletier's excellent
> advice. One of the reasons to use a third-party firewall (software) is
> that it will alert you to programs wanting Internet access. The router
> will not do this. Sometimes a bit of malware can slip past your guard
> and the firewall alert is a great warning. ZoneAlarm and Sygate are
> just two examples of firewalls. Both companies make a version that is
> free for personal use.
>
> Malke

Excellent advice. Thanks. It is very rare that people give you nice comments
in news groups now-a-days...

Again, thanks
Michael 

-- 
"Microsoft isn't evil, they just make really crappy operating systems." -
Linus Torvald

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