Firewall

Brian The Snail · 16 Nov 2006 at 09:13

Hi,

I currently have an nForce 4 chipset motherboard which includes a firewall. I am changing to a different mobo so will loose my security barrier.

Do routers function as firewalls and can I use one as such or is it best to have a software firewall installed on the PC? I don't really want to go this route if at all possible.

Many thanks for you advice in advance,
Andy.

z0mbi3 · 16 Nov 2006 at 09:19

Hardware firewalls block any packets that weren't started by you unless their from allowed sources.

So provided you don't have malware on your pc you will be fine.

Brian The Snail · 16 Nov 2006 at 09:26

celliott · 16 Nov 2006 at 10:25

I must add you do still need a firewall of some kind. If you are running XP just use the built in firewall, its plenty good enough most of the time.

z0mbi3 · 16 Nov 2006 at 10:35

celliott said:
I must add you do still need a firewall of some kind.

But he will be running a firewall. A hardware based one; a NAT.

I forget who posted this originally, but it's really useful for understanding the workings of NAT.

http://www.draytek.streamlinenettrial.co.uk/DrayTekNatMovie.mpg

Daegan · 16 Nov 2006 at 11:06

z0mbi3 said:
But he will be running a firewall. A hardware based one; a NAT.

A NAT router will effectively block intrusions, but won't do anything to block malware a user may have running on their PC from accessing the internet. That's why a software firewall, where the user has to explicitly allow applications access to the internet is still a good idea.

XP's built in firewall or Comodo Personal Firewall are reasonable free options.

z0mbi3 · 16 Nov 2006 at 11:09

NAT +not installing cack +anti-virus +windows defender = No need for a software firewall.

Richdog · 16 Nov 2006 at 11:29

For power users having a software frewall is a good idea for complete control over your PC. I reccommend Comodo firewall, it's a cracking app and free.

Daegan · 16 Nov 2006 at 11:58

z0mbi3 said:
NAT +not installing cack +anti-virus +windows defender = No need for a software firewall.

I used to think the same, but the varying methods being used to deliver malware nowadays mean just not installing cack isn't always enough, and anti-virus/anti-malware software will only ever be reactive. Again that's why the pre-emptive protection afforded by a software firewall is a good idea.