importance of firewall?

**jnob** · 11-23-2005, 10:59 AM

Is a firewall necessary if I'm using a Linksys router? If so should I have it installed on all the computers in my network, or will one computer block the ports? Thanks

**Resolution** · 11-23-2005, 11:08 AM

The Linksys router should act as its own firewall. I don't want to say that a router is a replacement for a firewall, because it is not, but you should be pretty safe with it for a typical home network. It will block incoming intruders or packets, but still allow you to carry on your normal Internet functions.

I've used one as a firewall for over 2 years without any problems.

**jnob** · 11-23-2005, 11:26 AM

thanks a lot!

ebackhus · 11-23-2005, 01:18 PM

I've disabled the firewall for two of my connected machines with no problems.

**JamesO** · 11-23-2005, 01:28 PM

I always run a soft firewall on all my machines, most are laptops so I never know where I will be going with them, how I will connect or what I will connect to!

Anyway, soft firewalls also detect and stop resident programs on your machine from accessing the Internet unless you allow them. This is very helpful to stop spyware and malware from downloading more trash onto your machine.

You would be surprised how many programs on your machine need to access the Internet. You might be even more surprised how many you do not want accessing the Internet!

Zone Alarm Free

If you ever need to use dial-up, you better have a soft firewall!

JamesO

11-23-2005, 10:59 AM	#1 (permalink)
jnob TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: CA Valley Posts: 692 OS: XP Pro, SP2 My System	importance of firewall? Is a firewall necessary if I'm using a Linksys router? If so should I have it installed on all the computers in my network, or will one computer block the ports? Thanks

11-23-2005, 01:18 PM	#4 (permalink)
ebackhus Manager, Design Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: SATX Posts: 14,285 OS: WinXP Pro SP3/Windows 7 RTM My System Blog Entries: 28	I've disabled the firewall for two of my connected machines with no problems. __________________ ----------------------------- There are no dumb questions, unless a customer is asking them. Help in the fight against cancer and other serious illnesses.

11-23-2005, 11:08 AM	#2 (permalink)
Resolution TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Louisiana Posts: 1,091 OS: FreeBSD/Win98/2000/XP	The Linksys router should act as its own firewall. I don't want to say that a router is a replacement for a firewall, because it is not, but you should be pretty safe with it for a typical home network. It will block incoming intruders or packets, but still allow you to carry on your normal Internet functions. I've used one as a firewall for over 2 years without any problems.

11-23-2005, 11:26 AM	#3 (permalink)
jnob TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: CA Valley Posts: 692 OS: XP Pro, SP2 My System	thanks a lot!

11-23-2005, 01:28 PM	#5 (permalink)
JamesO Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Fairfax, VA USA Posts: 2,289 OS: 98SE, W2k Pro, XP Pro	I always run a soft firewall on all my machines, most are laptops so I never know where I will be going with them, how I will connect or what I will connect to! Anyway, soft firewalls also detect and stop resident programs on your machine from accessing the Internet unless you allow them. This is very helpful to stop spyware and malware from downloading more trash onto your machine. You would be surprised how many programs on your machine need to access the Internet. You might be even more surprised how many you do not want accessing the Internet! Zone Alarm Free If you ever need to use dial-up, you better have a soft firewall! JamesO