Router and Firewall Question

Bony Maloney · 13 May 2006 at 15:57

I have just disabled my FW and ran the security check @ Shileds up, my computer is completely stealthed, due to my Router I presume. Do any of you folks go with no FW other than your router? I am using KIS 2006, but it seems to slow my browsing down too much. I am contemplating going back to Norton 2006, what is your advice for security reasons. I may go Firefox with pop up and add blocker enabled. Windows defender + AV Kaspersky or Norton + Router (BT Voyager 2091). Thoughts please.

marc2003 · 13 May 2006 at 16:06

router and nothing else for me.

Wingz · 13 May 2006 at 16:07

i'm using Sygate Personal Firewall Pro, it does not effect my d/l speeds and use less memory/Resources that Norton.

csmager · 13 May 2006 at 16:48

The router prevents any incoming traffic from the 'net getting as far as your PC - unless you deliberately forward ports. As such, the only reason you could have for running a firewall is:

1. To prevent any virus/spyware from connecting from your computer to another (not *that* important).

2. To guard against attacks from your local area network (unlikely).

Personally, I don't bother. Firewall's disabled on every PC on my LAN.

Bony Maloney · 13 May 2006 at 16:54

csmager said:
The router prevents any incoming traffic from the 'net getting as far as your PC - unless you deliberately forward ports. As such, the only reason you could have for running a firewall is:

1. To prevent any virus/spyware from connecting from your computer to another (not *that* important).

2. To guard against attacks from your local area network (unlikely).

Personally, I don't bother. Firewall's disabled on every PC on my LAN.

I have Bearshare port forwarded. I have no other computers on the network. Do you use any anti-spyware, virus checking software at all?
Thanks for your replies folks

csmager · 13 May 2006 at 16:57

Bony Maloney said:
I have Bearshare port forwarded. I have no other computers on the network. Do you use any anti-spyware, virus checking software at all?
Thanks for your replies folks

I have NOD32 AV on all PCs - viruses can come in via email, stuff you download off the internet, so I suppose it's fairly sensible to have an AV. It also supposedly detects some spyware, but I don't have a dedicated Anti-Spyware program running all the time. I'll install some if I suspect something's up, but with SP2 it doesn't really seem as prevalent anymore.

Bony Maloney · 13 May 2006 at 17:00

csmager said:
I have NOD32 AV on all PCs - viruses can come in via email, stuff you download off the internet, so I suppose it's fairly sensible to have an AV. It also supposedly detects some spyware, but I don't have a dedicated Anti-Spyware program running all the time. I'll install some if I suspect something's up, but with SP2 it doesn't really seem as prevalent anymore.

Thanks csmager, I may try with Kaspersky Anti-virus, windows defender and my router then. Just confirm again for me I can get rid of my Firewall software

It's like going out without clothes on. Lol

csmager · 13 May 2006 at 17:01

Bony Maloney said:
Thanks csmager, I may try with Kaspersky Anti-virus, windows defender and my router then. Just confirm again for me I can get rid of my Firewall software It's like going out without clothes on. Lol

You proved it yourself with ShieldsUP! - nothing's getting through to your PC, even without your firewall.

Bony Maloney · 13 May 2006 at 17:10

csmager said:
You proved it yourself with ShieldsUP! - nothing's getting through to your PC, even without your firewall.

Doh of course thank you m8

xb8browney · 13 May 2006 at 18:33

Wingz said:
i'm using Sygate Personal Firewall Pro, it does not effect my d/l speeds and use less memory/Resources that Norton.

Same, have done for years

mike1210 · 13 May 2006 at 18:48

i Use router firewall, restricted outgoing ports. NOD32 anti-virus and run spyware doctor every week