Is Firewall Necessary While Using Antivirus?

[Morton]

Hi,

I'm running Vista Home Premium with SP-1. I just deleted Norton 360 with
Norton's tool, and installed Avast antivirus. Now, I keep getting
on-screen notices that Windows Firewall is turned off, = a security risk.

I know that the 2 programs have differing functions. Having an antivirus
program on,and Super AntiSpyware too, do I also need Windows Firewall
turned on?

Thanks.

Morton

 

[Malke]

Hi,

I'm running Vista Home Premium with SP-1. I just deleted Norton 360 with
Norton's tool, and installed Avast antivirus. Now, I keep getting
on-screen notices that Windows Firewall is turned off, = a security risk.

I know that the 2 programs have differing functions. Having an antivirus
program on,and Super AntiSpyware too, do I also need Windows Firewall
turned on?

Yes. Norton apparently left it turned off. Go to Control Panel and turn it
on again.

Malke

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Hi,

I'm running Vista Home Premium with SP-1. I just deleted Norton 360 with
Norton's tool, and installed Avast antivirus. Now, I keep getting
on-screen notices that Windows Firewall is turned off, = a security risk.

I know that the 2 programs have differing functions. Having an antivirus
program on,and Super AntiSpyware too, do I also need Windows Firewall
turned on?

Most definitely. (Unless you elect to install a 3rd party firewall,
that is.)

There are several essential components to computer security: a
knowledgeable and pro-active user, a properly configured firewall,
reliable and up-to-date antivirus software, and the prompt repair (via
patches, hotfixes, or service packs) of any known vulnerabilities.




--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Hi,

I'm running Vista Home Premium with SP-1. I just deleted Norton 360 with
Norton's tool, and installed Avast antivirus. Now, I keep getting
on-screen notices that Windows Firewall is turned off, = a security risk.

I know that the 2 programs have differing functions. Having an antivirus
program on,and Super AntiSpyware too, do I also need Windows Firewall
turned on?

Yes, you need Windows Firewall or some other firewall. An antivirus
and an antispyware program is *not* sufficient protection.

 

[Hank Arnold (MVP)]

Hi,

I'm running Vista Home Premium with SP-1. I just deleted Norton 360 with
Norton's tool, and installed Avast antivirus. Now, I keep getting
on-screen notices that Windows Firewall is turned off, = a security risk.

I know that the 2 programs have differing functions. Having an antivirus
program on,and Super AntiSpyware too, do I also need Windows Firewall
turned on?

Thanks.

Morton

None of the applications you mentioned provide the functions of a
firewall. Turn on the Windows firewall. The newest one with Vista ain't
half bad. If you practice "Safe Computing", you're basically OK.

Then start looking at some free 3rd party firewalls..........

--

Regards,
Hank Arnold
Microsoft MVP
Windows Server - Directory Services

 

[Morton]

None of the applications you mentioned provide the functions of a
firewall. Turn on the Windows firewall. The newest one with Vista ain't
half bad. If you practice "Safe Computing", you're basically OK.

Then start looking at some free 3rd party firewalls..........

Thanks to all for the great advice. I do appreciate it.

Morton