Jim
You can have two firewalls -one software and one hardware i.e built into
the router. Arguably a second firewall is unnecessary but it creates no
problems for me.
The Windows Firewall, which only checks incoming traffic, is perfectly
adequate for a home computer, providing sound security arrangements are
in place. A third party firewall may prevent unauthorised outgoing
traffic but there should be none where the security arrangements are
comprehensive. A third party firewall can create more problems than they
prevent. Instance the problems regularly being reported implicating Zone
Alarm, a market leader.
Where you have networked computers in a commercial environment then you
may find it desirable to take a different view regarding monitoring
outging traffic.
What you say about anti-virus software is true but it can be difficult
to be certain that the "lead" anti-virus is totally "switched " off. If
you have good security arrangements and take sensible precautions, when
handling attachments with incoming mail and browsing the internet etc.,
then there should be no need for a second anti-virus programme.
My comments are based on my experience as a user and not as an expert in
security.
~~~~
Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
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