do i need another firewall?

my dsl modem has a built in firewall.would it be a good idea to get a software firewall too,or will the one with my modem be good enough?i'd like others advice on this,thanks

 

I also have a router and I use a software firewall that has application control so I know what apps are accessing the internet and what other connections are trying too connect to my computer etc...


Brandon

 

I don't have any and never have any problem using winXP Pro SP1a.

 

hmm,i see there are different thoughts on the subject of software firewalls.so i'm still not sure if i'll install one or not,guess it wouldn't hurt to try,im runnin XPSP2 if that's important.

 

themanwithaplan if you are running XPSP2 you don't need anothers one
you have one build in. SP2 come with a firewall.

 

The cr@ppy firewall in XPSP2 is better than nothing, but it doesn't protect against outgoing, only incoming.

When there are excellent free firewalls available like Outpost and ZoneAlarm, it's silly to not use one.

 

thanks for the reply.how good is the windows XP firewall?i've always kept mine off because i hear alot of negative things about it,but on the other hand lots of other people say it works great.

 

Turn the XP wall off if you are using a third party firewall. It makes good sense to run a software firewall along with your hardware firewall.

 

As mentioned earlier in this thread, SP2's firewall doesn't hold a candle to say Sygate's Personal Firewall. It provides protection only against incoming packets, and not info that your machine is trying to send outwards. With a third party firewall, you can easily see and control every application that attempts to send information to the internet.

 

They recently posted a review of a bunch of Freeware utilities including AV, Firewalls, Office Suites, etc. over on http://www.pcmag.com . Check it out. I use Sygate mainly because it is easier to uninstall properly than ZoneAlarm is but ZA and another came out on top. What I'm using seems to work well as I haven't had anything actually be able to install itself on my machine in years.

.bh.

 

When you say "third party firewall" do you mean WSP1 plus say Zone Alarm? I am concerned that windows firewall is not safe enough. Would you think it a good idea to have zone alarm in addition to the windows? Thanks alot. I am learning as I go!

 

Welcome to MG, Cowgirl

No, only run one software firewall.

If your using the built in Firewall of Windows XP SP2, thats it.
If you want to run a better firewall such as Zone Alarm or Sygate ( both are free both can monitor incomming or outgoing activity) then you need to disable the Windows XP SP2 firewall.

Any software Firewall other than the one built in to Windows XP SP2 is a third party firewall.


The Best Advice here is use Hardware Firewall such as a router & and one software Firewall.

Two very good & free software Firewall's, for Novice use Zone Alarm, more advanced user I'd suggest Sygate, Only use one software firewall,you must also disable the windows Xp SP2 firewall if ya use ZA or Sygate or any other third party firewall. (Remember Only One Software Firewall)

 

The MS firewall is good to have when doing a clean install of XP SP2 and
you don't use a router.
Once the system is activated, you should disable it and install a third party firewall (I like the freeware ZoneAlarm offering) whether you have a router with a hardware firewall or not.

 

Thank you for all your help!!!! cg