WinXP firewall using a LinkSys router

[mdbassman]

Can someone advise me on whether I should activate the XP
firewall protection in conjunction with my router and DSL
modem. I have heard that the LynkSys router is a firewall
in itself.
Dan

 

[Guest]

You should use the linksys AND a 3rd party firewall like
zonealarm or norton internet security.
The router and xp firewall basically do the same thing,
stop incoming. Neither though will monitor outgoing
traffic from current spyware/trojans/worms or things you
download past the firewalls(purposely yet unknowingly).

 

[John]

Can someone advise me on whether I should activate the XP
firewall protection in conjunction with my router and DSL
modem. I have heard that the LynkSys router is a firewall
in itself.
Dan

Both your linksys router and the xp firewall block inward connections
only. Thus, if you get a trojan from opening the wrong mail you will
not be able to block its outward bound messaging. Of course, your
antivirus program may detect it on its next pass.

I use the linksys router *and* a 2 way software firewall (I use Sygate
Personal - excellent product). The linksys does "address translation"
so the address you "publish" out on the web is not your real address.
The Sygate product asks me for permission before any program is allowed
to access the net from my machine. You can answer "yes, and don't ask
me again - for this program", say for your web browser or email program.

I think you need both. You can get a "free for personal use" version of
the sygate firewall by visiting their web site. It's easy to install,
use and configure and works very well with the Linksys hardware.

John