Firewall and Antispyware for DSL

Thanks for the reply. I have Spybot and will checkout ZoneAlarm and Avast as well.

So, can you explain what the difference is between a firewall and antispyware?

Thanks again!

I am hoping some of our better informed contributors will jump in here and answer that question. If they don't I'll get back to you with some references.

DC

1. Firewall blocks unwanted incoming and outgoing communication

2. Spyware scanners work like an antivirus. They find and remove malware installed on your computer

If you are going to continue using the internet, you need an antivirus program, several spyware scanning programs and a firewall. There are many to choose from and some are free.

without treading on anyones toes,

Firewalls do not stop infections from viruses, spyware or adware, although some, (I'm thinking of the ZoneAlarm firewall), does include an anti-virus option, but I prefer not to use it and to rely on different programs.

Firewalls stop unauthorised attempts by hackers from getting into your computer. Also, if you have some software that is trying to "call home", ie send a message from your computer, the firewall will block it unless you specifically allow it.

So the infections can still sneak in by various means, eg you might receive an email with an attachment that is infected. The firewall lets the email in and the attachment, and then when you open the attachment the virus or spyware gets installed. Or, the infection can come from web sites you visit, or from a CD someone has given you. But if that malware tries to phone home, the firewall can block it from doing so.

But as malware can create other havoc on your computer, you also need ant-virus protection, anti-spyware protection and anti-adware protection in addition to the firewall, as has already been said.

I hope this helps.

Mark

...mainly because they are "exploits" of Windows...Your main point is exactly correct, but I thought I'd bring up this particular item...

A couple of specific viruses quickly come to mind..One of the biggest impacts to business computers in the last couple of years were the Blaster and Sasser viruses. Those Windows 2000 and XP computers which had firewalls enabled were not infected by either of these viruses...It was their mode of attack which allowed the firewall to block the infection.

Hope this helps.

Grif

My example of a firewall has always been this...Think of a castle inside a large wall and moat full of water. The firewall is the large brick wall and moat full of water....In order for anything to get into the castle (your computer), you need to lower the draw bridge to let them it. A firewall works somewhat like that. You actually "allow" programs access in, and out, of your computer to the internet.

I think of antispyware and antiviruses as the police force inside the castle walls. They are constantly vigilant, searching for unwanted characters which could cause damage to the castle and it's contents. If they find any unwanted characters, they are removed.

Hope this helps.

Grif

Grif this is the best explanation of a firewall and antispyware I have heard. I must use this (if you don't mind) when asked by others.

I had to chuckle when I read it but at least I got a better understanding of firewalls, antispyware, and antiviruses. Thanks Grif. You the man.