View Full Version : Router v software firewall
Opinions needed really...
Me being extremely paranoid and due to my computer going through a severe allergic reaction last year to different software firewalls, I got a router, just for the firewall.
I also have Norton Internet Security.
Do I need both or is the router and a AV program fine?
(Please don't get into a Norton bashing thread, this is not what it's about. Pretend it's a brand X Firewall. ;) )
Probably the thing I would miss is the "productivity control" on NIS, as I have a user account set up for my nephew and it gives a bit of control.
homealone
04-05-2004, 19:16
Hi Mal
personally I don't think you can be too careful - maybe OTT, but I use a router, an Anti Virus and a software firewall. ( the router is primarily for sharing the connection with my son).
My justification is the router NAT function should catch incoming exploits, the software firewall should detect any attempt by a nasty to 'phone home' and the AV should catch any nasties in emails etc. All I can say is that (touch wood!) I have never had any problems with this set up.:)
hth
Totally agree with Gaz, you should still use a good software firewall to catch any outbound exploits and to help you keep track on what your other applications are doing behind your back.
Tezcatlipoca
04-05-2004, 20:13
Hi Mal
personally I don't think you can be too careful - maybe OTT, but I use a router, an Anti Virus and a software firewall. ( the router is primarily for sharing the connection with my son).
My justification is the router NAT function should catch incoming exploits, the software firewall should detect any attempt by a nasty to 'phone home' and the AV should catch any nasties in emails etc. All I can say is that (touch wood!) I have never had any problems with this set up.:)
hth
Same here. I use a hardware NAT router for connection sharing & for inbound protection, plus a software firewall to control outbound traffic, & finally an AV prog.
downquark1
04-05-2004, 20:34
I just use a NAT router, virus scanner and spyware scanner. I check tasks running and sometimes netstat. No software firewall.
Thanks for your help.
At least I know it's not just me being too paraniod ;) I think I'll stick with the setup I've got. You never know. ;)
Just use the new SP2 XP firewall and zonealarm pro here but its been going ape the last few days. Most likely because of this new worm
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