Firewall Question

[Kardon Coupé]

I have a question for all you intelligent people out there....... and it is
simply.... why do I need a firewall? and I don't want a comment like "Coz
you do" in return...

Why I ask, because I am sick of have to open various ports for various
applications, be it a server for a online game, or something else.... I have
tried Norton Person Firewall, I have tried Zone Alarm, is there others? I
don't know.....

I am extremely careful with Email Attachments, I have Anti Virus installed,
I do a re-install approximately every six months, and don't hold any
confidential information on my pc?

so Why do I need one?

 

[oklier]

Coz you do..sorry couldnt resist. There are many firewall
products out there. Basically two catagories, software
and hardware. I recommend hardware since they are harder
to hack into, however software firewalls work just as
well.

Zone Alarm keeps some ports open by default and is very
good at informing you of whats going out and what goes
in. A web site such as dslreports.com or Shields are
usefull tools for port scans to see if you are vunerable.

Why do we need them? the same reason we have locks on our
houses and cars, to protect us.

 

[Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]]

You need it to block access to your computer from the Internet. All access
by default - open up only what's needed, and be careful about it. I
personally prefer hardware firewalls like NetGear FVS318 or somesuch -

To access a server, you don't need anything open inbound. Games can be
another story - I don't play games, so I don't have to worry about it.

Actually, that's not true. I play solitaire. I don't have to open any ports
for that. Remember, any port you open is a potential security breach.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

One word: "Blaster."

Bruce Chambers

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