Software Firewall

AndreL · 09-15-2005, 11:56 AM

Looking for one that uses the least amount of system resources cause I have a VoIP router and want extra security.

09-15-2005, 12:35 PM

Tiny Personal firewall or Zone Alarm if the resource usage is your main concern go with the Tiny PF.

**johnwill** · 09-15-2005, 03:04 PM

Why do you think the VoIP router compromises your security?

AndreL · 09-15-2005, 07:40 PM

Well johnwill, security is not all that important but I think that the router is not equal to a firewall, software or hardware wise.

**johnwill** · 09-16-2005, 06:38 PM

What kind of "hardware" firewall are you comparing the router to? Most hardware firewall's major component is the NAT layer as in a router.

FWIW, I've run for years with only the router's firewall, and I've never had an infection since my dial-up days years ago. If you have active virus and spyware protection, you should be fine. Obviously, I don't go to suspect sites...

Volt-Schwibe · 09-16-2005, 08:01 PM

like johnwill is saying, any hardware firewall is going to be no better than a router.

for a firewall to be truley effective, and not cause you issues, it would need to be running on the pc you are using, that way you can interface with it and tell it things are ok or not.

and like johnwill was saying about a router being good enough, it can be for some people. it would for most of the people i know, but some of them have a habit of installing everything and anything they find online (i'm in that group myself), so that's where a software firewall prevails, seeing the outgoing activity, and asking you if it's ok. it might be a keylogger. a hardware firewall, regardless of quality, can not do this.

because of that, a hardware firewall has to be set to either block it, or allow it, or allow some, which requires tons of fiddling.

09-15-2005, 11:56 AM	#1 (permalink)
AndreL Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: NC - USA Posts: 10 OS: XP	Software Firewall Looking for one that uses the least amount of system resources cause I have a VoIP router and want extra security.

09-15-2005, 03:04 PM	#3 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,720 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Why do you think the VoIP router compromises your security? __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

09-16-2005, 06:38 PM	#5 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,720 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	What kind of "hardware" firewall are you comparing the router to? Most hardware firewall's major component is the NAT layer as in a router. FWIW, I've run for years with only the router's firewall, and I've never had an infection since my dial-up days years ago. If you have active virus and spyware protection, you should be fine. Obviously, I don't go to suspect sites... __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

09-16-2005, 08:01 PM	#6 (permalink)
Volt-Schwibe Asst. Manager, Automotive Forums; HJT Trainee Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Behind you, watching you as you type. Posts: 7,372 OS: Click "My System" to view details My System	like johnwill is saying, any hardware firewall is going to be no better than a router. for a firewall to be truley effective, and not cause you issues, it would need to be running on the pc you are using, that way you can interface with it and tell it things are ok or not. and like johnwill was saying about a router being good enough, it can be for some people. it would for most of the people i know, but some of them have a habit of installing everything and anything they find online (i'm in that group myself), so that's where a software firewall prevails, seeing the outgoing activity, and asking you if it's ok. it might be a keylogger. a hardware firewall, regardless of quality, can not do this. because of that, a hardware firewall has to be set to either block it, or allow it, or allow some, which requires tons of fiddling. __________________ <signature> TSF is funded by our Admin's pocket, care to help? Power Tip: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. New Members: Creating a single new thread in the correct section is the best way to assure your thread will receive a reply. </signature>

09-15-2005, 12:35 PM	#2 (permalink)
PurpleSky Guest Posts: n/a OS:	Tiny Personal firewall or Zone Alarm if the resource usage is your main concern go with the Tiny PF.

09-15-2005, 07:40 PM	#4 (permalink)
AndreL Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: NC - USA Posts: 10 OS: XP	Well johnwill, security is not all that important but I think that the router is not equal to a firewall, software or hardware wise.