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General discussion

?s about Firewalls

Dec 25, 2004 7:54AM PST

Ok, so here's my newbiest question(s):

What exactly are firewalls? What do they do? What are some? Do I have any(I'm using WinXP)? If not, should I get one? Where? and How?

Discussion is locked

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firewalls
Dec 25, 2004 9:23AM PST

They block or limit the transmission of data in and out of your computer.

Do you need one? Yes.


What are some? Zone Alarm is what I use. There are many, either free or paid, from which to choose.

Should you get one? Yes.

Here is some information I found at Google:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=what+are+firewalls&spell=1

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firewalls
Dec 25, 2004 11:21AM PST

Thank you very much for the info.

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You're Welcome
Dec 25, 2004 7:30PM PST
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I couldn't agree more
Dec 25, 2004 7:51PM PST

with glb.

Firewalls are an absolute necessity nowadays. It has been estimated that a computer without a firewall installed will be infected within 15 minutes of connecting to the internet.

Your XP already has a firewall and you may be fortunate that it is already on, but the Windows XP firewall isn't too robust. The Windows XP SP2 firewall is better, but still not the preferred firewall by many.

You really need a firewall program installed, and you should also consider anti spyware, anti virus, and anti adware software to go with it if you haven't already got those.

Mark

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Firewalls
Dec 26, 2004 12:48PM PST

Thanks for the link. I'm pretty sure I have the firewall, that comes with SP2. But I wasn't sure if that was enough. So I will definitly check out the one on the link. Thanks again

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how about PC-cillin?
Dec 26, 2004 2:39PM PST

Hi Mark--

I saw your response to a posting about firewalls... I currently use the latest PC-cillin and I also have something called Zero Spyware. Are those two programs enough? Or do I need something else to help protect my system?

Thank you.

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Hi Michelle
Dec 26, 2004 8:38PM PST

Sorry for the delay.

I don't use PC-cillin myself, but everything I read about it is very good. We even direct users to the Trendmicro web site to do online scans for viruses so it is well respected.

The newer versions combine a firewall, antivirus program and anti-spyware program, and other features and many people prefer the all-in-one type of program. If you are the type of person who likes that, then I reckon you are well protected.

Just make sure you keep the virus and spyware databases up to date, and, if you can afford it, keep he program up to date when newer versions come out.

I hadn't heard of Zero Spyware, but as the name suggests, it only protects against spyware. I checked the SpwareWarrior website, (this site lists scam spyware programs), and Zero spyware "is" listed, but the note about it, here says that the new version released in September 2004 has resolved certain issues, and so SpywareWarrior no longer needs to list it as a problem case.

So if you have the newer version, it seems it is ok.

Also, it is always good to have different programs for anti-spyware. Spyware takes different forms, and no individual program can find all the different types. So as long as you keep Zero Spyware's definitions up to date, again I reckon you will be well covered.

Good luck,

Mark

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Thank you Mark!!
Dec 27, 2004 2:23PM PST

I really appreciate the information... it sounds like I'm okay. Whew. Happy

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Another link
Dec 28, 2004 3:34AM PST
http://grc.com/default.htm

Scroll down to ShieldsUp. And follow the prompts.
Can't provide direct link as it is a secure site.

This site has understandable information on Security and the Internet.