D
Daddy
I recognize the need for anti-malware software
(anti-virus, -spyware, -trojan, -adware, etc.) and I also appreciate the
necessity of safe surfing. What I'm less sure about is the need for a
third-party firewall vs. Windows Firewall.
If I understand correctly, the advantage of a third-party firewall is that
it gives you a chance to stop malware from connecting to the internet, or to
another device on your network. I can see the value of that, but if your
anti-malware software (and surfing behavior) protect your computer from
becoming infected...and your anti-malware software warns you when malware
infects your computer despite all your efforts to stop it...outbound
protection doesn't tell you anything you don't already know, right?
I also recognize that PC security should be applied in layers, so maybe
outbound protection is more like a backstop, to prevent malware from
connecting to the internet while you are busy dealing with it. On the other
hand, you pay for this protection in terms of somewhat reduced performance
and possibly other interference with your day-to-day web surfing.
So, is a third-party firewall still important...or does Windows Firewall do
enough on its own? I'd be interested to hear from both sides.
Daddy
(anti-virus, -spyware, -trojan, -adware, etc.) and I also appreciate the
necessity of safe surfing. What I'm less sure about is the need for a
third-party firewall vs. Windows Firewall.
If I understand correctly, the advantage of a third-party firewall is that
it gives you a chance to stop malware from connecting to the internet, or to
another device on your network. I can see the value of that, but if your
anti-malware software (and surfing behavior) protect your computer from
becoming infected...and your anti-malware software warns you when malware
infects your computer despite all your efforts to stop it...outbound
protection doesn't tell you anything you don't already know, right?
I also recognize that PC security should be applied in layers, so maybe
outbound protection is more like a backstop, to prevent malware from
connecting to the internet while you are busy dealing with it. On the other
hand, you pay for this protection in terms of somewhat reduced performance
and possibly other interference with your day-to-day web surfing.
So, is a third-party firewall still important...or does Windows Firewall do
enough on its own? I'd be interested to hear from both sides.
Daddy