Firewalls

[Guest]

Currently I have a PC WIN/XP(2) Pro using MSFT firewall.
There are several providers offering other firewalls w/ High speed
connections.
Only one firewall should be used then what is the best firewall to use?

 

[Steven L Umbach]

It depends on what you are talking about. I always recommend that someone
using high speed internet access use an "internet router" or firewall device
to protect there network and then use software or host firewalls also if
needed. What type of software or host firewall depends on what the user is
trying to accomplish. If you just want to protect inbound access from other
computers on your network then the Windows Firewall is great. If you want
something that has more advanced logging and can also manage outbound
traffic on the host computer then you need something more advanced like Zone
Alarm. There are several software firewalls and I can not label any one as
best because they all can do a good job protecting the host computer and
would suggest you pick one that you are comfortable configuring and using.
The free for personal user version of Zone Alarm is a good choice in my
opinion especially for the average computer user that does not want or have
the time to become a networking expert. Also you may not need to use any
host/software firewall once you have an "internet router" or firewall device
which is what I do. --- Steve

 

[Guest]

This question "the best" is quite subjective ,however here is my opinion
..Remember it is mine and everyone else can have different .

I personally use and recommend everyone use the intergrate Windows Firewall
in SP2 of Windows XP.It has only incoming traffic protection but is very
good.Ask rarely and works automatically and if you click "Don't allow
exceptions" you have maximum protection.

Aslo ,you may *just may* buy a router with integrated hardware firewall so
you'll have double protection and you need anything else for hacker/intruder
protection.

( I don't use router with firewall but I use an intruder protection system
as a second layer of protection that stays behind Win Firewall )

Never forget that the incoming protection is the most important so Win
Firewall is enough .

The other software firewalls have incoming as well as outgoing protection
..Depening on what protection you need ,choose the one firewall that best meet
your needs.
Sygate's free firewall was very very good but it is now paid as far as I
know because Symantec recently bought Sygate company.Other good is Zone Alarm
free.

But I would aslo say that if you keep ALL your security softwares up-to-date
and they work ,you will not need the outgoing protection because the security
softwares will(should) catch the infection !

Do not hesitate to contact the Community again !!!


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