using a firewall: please help

[Sam]

I've read the Microsoft Security & Privacy for Home users
and one of the things it listed was a firewall. I have a
small local area network that consists of 3 computer via
a cable connection. The computers are connected with a
Linksys wireless 4 AP router w/4 port switch, as shown in
the link below & Linksys cable modem.

http://www.linksys.com/Products/product.asp?
grid=33&scid=35&prid=415

My sister says that the Linksys router it has a built in
firewall and it just needs to be configured and there is
no need to install firewall software on any of the
machines. So, I just need somebody to confirm this and
what to do with my router that has a firewall. What do I
need to do? Do I need to install any firewall software,
if so what do you recommend for Windows XP?

 

[QuarkBomb]

Read the manual.

: I've read the Microsoft Security & Privacy for Home users
: and one of the things it listed was a firewall. I have a
: small local area network that consists of 3 computer via
: a cable connection. The computers are connected with a
: Linksys wireless 4 AP router w/4 port switch, as shown in
: the link below & Linksys cable modem.
:
: http://www.linksys.com/Products/product.asp?
: grid=33&scid=35&prid=415
:
: My sister says that the Linksys router it has a built in
: firewall and it just needs to be configured and there is
: no need to install firewall software on any of the
: machines. So, I just need somebody to confirm this and
: what to do with my router that has a firewall. What do I
: need to do? Do I need to install any firewall software,
: if so what do you recommend for Windows XP?

 

[Marc Reynolds [MSFT]]

HI Sam,

You need to verify that your router has a firewall and if it does configure
it per the manufacturers instructions (manual or website). If you have a
properly configured firewall on your router your XP clients won't need any
firewall software installed.

Thanks,
Marc Reynolds
Microsoft Technical Support

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

I've read the Microsoft Security & Privacy for Home users
and one of the things it listed was a firewall. I have a
small local area network that consists of 3 computer via
a cable connection. The computers are connected with a
Linksys wireless 4 AP router w/4 port switch, as shown in
the link below & Linksys cable modem.

http://www.linksys.com/Products/product.asp?grid=33&scid=35&prid=415

My sister says that the Linksys router it has a built in
firewall and it just needs to be configured and there is
no need to install firewall software on any of the
machines. So, I just need somebody to confirm this and
what to do with my router that has a firewall. What do I
need to do? Do I need to install any firewall software,
if so what do you recommend for Windows XP?

Your sister is partly right. The router automatically acts as a
firewall, protecting your computers against undesired incoming access
by other Internet users. There's nothing to configure. The only
danger would be if you explicitly put one of the computers in the
router's "demilitarized zone".

However, the router doesn't protect your computers against undesired
outgoing access to the Internet. That could be caused by spyware or
hacker tools that get into your computers. For that, you need a
firewall program with that capability. Note that Windows XP's
built-in Internet Connection firewall doesn't have that capability,
and enabling it would block file and printer sharing on your network.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

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