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General discussion

Firewall

Dec 4, 2003 1:32PM PST

I have Windows XP, and using a Sygate Firewall. I have heard that a hardware firewall is better than a software one. Appreciate any suggestions of what type to buy, ie: is this what is called a "router"?

Discussion is locked

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Re:Firewall
Dec 4, 2003 9:07PM PST

Let me cut to the bottom line. The claims are false since the firewall functions were never defined. In short, what was the specifications for said firewall?

If you don't have such, then you can't determine if firewall A or B was better in some manner.

Bob

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In Addition
Dec 4, 2003 10:05PM PST

A router is almost always NOT the same thing as a hardware firewall. Some routers do have firewall functionality, but most don't. Most will try and pawn off NAT as a firewall equivalent which is not even close to the same thing.

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Reason for firewall being
Dec 5, 2003 11:52AM PST

getting some intrusion attempt logs on Sygate, and am wondering if it might be wise to add a hardware firewall[cable modem, online for long periods on home computer]. I have not had a penetration as far as I know. Thankyou Robert and yewanchors for your replies. If a hardware firewall is adviseable, what brand/type would be best value?

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You will always have intrusion attempts...
Dec 6, 2003 1:41PM PST

with a highspeed internet connection. I got a Linksys router (with NAT) to network my PCs. As a bonus, NAT stops port scans from getting into my network (which is probably what Sygate is reporting to you). Before I got the router, ZoneAlarm was reporting the port scan hits quite frequently. I turned off the popups because they are only telling you that the software firewall is doing its job (stopping unwanted intrusions). You only have to worry if someone breaks through the software firewall and you won't get a popup to tell you when that happens.

A firewall of any type probably won't stand up to a hacker that is targeting your specific PC. However, this is very unlikely for "ordinary people". Your most likely scenario is a script kiddie or infected PC scanning blocks of IP addresses looking for vulnerable PCs and your software firewall should be up to the task of blocking that.

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Thankyou Keith
Dec 7, 2003 11:52AM PST

I will not worry about it then, thanks again for the advice. Joe

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You will always have intrusion attempts...Keith is correct.
Dec 8, 2003 1:00AM PST

that said, this time of year, routers come very inexpensive.

In Canada, where both Keith and I live, you can get a SMC7004VWBR with firewall enabling, after mail in rebates for around CDN$49.00. Linksys and other brand names are comparably priced.

If you live in the US it will cost less and for that kind of outlay coupled with your software firewall you will be as safe as can be expected.

you also need your Microsoft vulnerabilty patches current, as well as whatever anti virus you use.

if you would like to know more about security issues, have a look at the Virus and Security forum here.

david williams