Firewalls

[Guest]

Can someone give me some advice on firewalls pls? I have
XP Home SP2 connected to a wireless network with
firewalls running both in windows and from the router
modem (BT Wireless Network 1250). I am confused as to
what each firewall does. I assume the router firewall
stops people getting onto my network as well as keeping
out viruses. But then what does the Windows firewall do
if not the same thing. Is it better to just use one, and
if so which one? Also what are the best settings to use
if internet and LAN games are going to be played on both
machines on the network? (the other computer is running
Win ME)

Thanks,

Will

 

[Dennis Lazo]

will,

if your computer is connected to a hardware firewall (a better option), you
can turn off windows firewall (which one will need if there is no hardware
firewall, nor a third party firewall).

and yes, it is better to use just one as there could be conflicts when using
two or more.

as mentioned above, the use of a hardware firewall is a better option to
using windows firewall.

as for the settings, it varies from one user to user. but the general rule
is, just open the ports that need to be used. the rest, close them.

hope this helps.
--
Regards,
Dennis Lazo

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e-mails may be sent at http://dennislazo.com/email/.
information herein is provided as is with no warranties, and confers no
rights.

 

[Herb Fritatta]

will,

if your computer is connected to a hardware firewall (a better option), you
can turn off windows firewall (which one will need if there is no hardware
firewall, nor a third party firewall).

and yes, it is better to use just one as there could be conflicts when using
two or more.

as mentioned above, the use of a hardware firewall is a better option to
using windows firewall.

as for the settings, it varies from one user to user. but the general rule
is, just open the ports that need to be used. the rest, close them.

hope this helps.

I think that the "don't use two firewalls" advice applies mostly to
software firewalls. While a generally secure home network behind a
harware firewall will be adequately protected from outside intrusions,
use of software firewalls on each workstation generally won't conflict
with the hardware firewall and will protect from *intranet* intrusions.
Also, the OP should be aware that a firewall is not intended to protect
against viruses, and constantly updated antivirus software is necessary
in addition to using a firewall.

 

[Ronnie Vernon MVP]

I think that the "don't use two firewalls" advice applies mostly to
software firewalls. While a generally secure home network behind a
harware firewall will be adequately protected from outside intrusions,
use of software firewalls on each workstation generally won't conflict
with the hardware firewall and will protect from *intranet*
intrusions. Also, the OP should be aware that a firewall is not
intended to protect against viruses, and constantly updated antivirus
software is necessary in addition to using a firewall.

Your advice is spot on, except the statement about "the OP should be aware
that a firewall is not
intended to protect against viruses" is incorrect, given the recent
proliferation of "drive by" viruses, most notably the Blaster and Sasser
type.

--
Regards,

Ronnie Vernon
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User

Please reply to the newsgroup so all may benefit.
http://www.dts-l.org
http://www.mvps.org

 

[Dennis Lazo]

herb,

thanks for correcting my mistake.

i stand corrected.

 

[Herb Fritatta]

Your advice is spot on, except the statement about "the OP should be
aware that a firewall is not
intended to protect against viruses" is incorrect, given the recent
proliferation of "drive by" viruses, most notably the Blaster and Sasser
type.

Thanks, Ronnie--you're absolutely correct in pointing out the dangers of
Blaster, et al. The reason I brought it up was that the OP seemed to
think that a firewall might be a good *general* protection against
viruses. Also, I might make the distinction between a virus and a worm,
and in that context my original statement is true, but for the OP's
purposes you make a good point.