Windows Firewall - McAfee Security Center

[Eric]

I'm currently using a firewall from McAfee Security Center. Should I be
using Windows Firewall in place, or in addition to McAfee?

I use the computer mostly for web surfing, e-mail, and news. I am not an
online gamer.

 

[Allan]

I'm currently using a firewall from McAfee Security Center. Should I be
using Windows Firewall in place, or in addition to McAfee?

I use the computer mostly for web surfing, e-mail, and news. I am not an
online gamer.

Disable Windows Firewall (Vista) and use McAfee unless you need ipv6
connectivity. Two software firewalls are redundant and do not increase your
security.

 

[zhangxiang]

Windows Firewall can not protect you from the virus,but McAfee can.
Note: You do not have to use Windows Firewall—you can install and run any
firewall that you choose. Evaluate the features of other firewalls and then
decide which firewall best meets your needs. If you choose to install and
run another firewall, turn off Windows Firewall.

How Windows Firewall Works
When someone on the Internet or on a network tries to connect to your
computer, we call that attempt an "unsolicited request." When your computer
gets an unsolicited request, Windows Firewall blocks the connection. If you
run a program such as an instant messaging program or a multiplayer network
game that needs to receive information from the Internet or a network, the
firewall asks if you want to block or unblock (allow) the connection.

If you choose to unblock the connection, Windows Firewall creates an
exception so that the firewall won't bother you when that program needs to
receive information in the future.

Tip:lthough you can turn off Windows Firewall for specific Internet and
network connections, doing this increases the risk to your computer's
security.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I'm currently using a firewall from McAfee Security Center. Should I be
using Windows Firewall in place, or in addition to McAfee?

Pick one of them. Although I'm not a fan of anything McAfee, it
probably makes little difference which.

Don't run two firewalls. You achieve no extra protection, you incur
the extra overhead of running two firewalls, and you run the risk
(probably small, but not zero) of conflicts between them.

See http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/firewall.mspx
which includes the following:

"Q. Should I use both the built-in firewall and a software firewall
from a different company on my Windows XP computer?

"A. No. Running multiple software firewalls is unnecessary for typical
home computers, home networking, and small-business networking
scenarios. Using two firewalls on the same connection could cause
issues with connectivity to the Internet or other unexpected behavior.
One firewall, whether it is the Windows XP Internet Connection
Firewall or a different software firewall, can provide substantial
protection for your computer."

Also note that if you update your third-party firewall to a new
version, the update routine will probably turn it off first. If the
Windows firewall isn't running, you will temporarily be left with no
running firewall, which is very dangerous. So turn on the Windows
firewall temporarily before doing maintenance on your third-party
firewall.

 

[Jesper]

"Windows Firewall can not protect you from the virus,but McAfee can."

Wrong. Neither can protect you from a virus. No firewall can. Last time I
checked Windows Firewall was still the only one that protected the computer
during boot as well.

 

[Scrat]

McAfee couldn't find its ass in a closet with both hands free. McAfee and
Symantec are GARBAGE.

Scrat

 

[Frank Saunders MS-MVP IE,OE/WM]

McAfee couldn't find its ass in a closet with both hands free. McAfee and
Symantec are GARBAGE.

Yes.

 

[robin]

both true
also running two firewalls will fight with each other and will prolly lock
up your system.
Windows Vista firewall has gotten so much better than xp firewall
allowing/disallowing ins and outs.
If you are running a router connected to your modem you are doubly protected
that way too.
With Vista still so unstable at this time, you are better off running
something that is known compatable to itself- its own firewall.
Use a good antivrius program like AVG, make sure your settings are correct
in Windows Defender (you can go to the Windows Defender Newsgroups and get
good advise there
(http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/newsgroups/default.mspx
)
and antispyware programs like Spybot Search and Destroy, Superantispyware
and AVG Antispyware (both come free - and you can get both by purchasing one
and having it run in realtime and using the free one as a manual scan).
I run AVG Pro and Free (I have 7 computers) and either tell my clients to
run the pro depending if they are a business or the free if they are not a
business. I have spybot s&d as a manual and superantispyware Pro on some
machines and i run avg antispyware pro and free on others.

robin