Firewall Question

kdog · #1 10-27-2002, 09:40 AM

Just switched over to a cable modem which means I need to get unlazy and install a firewall.Since I know many here have already done that I was wondering who has what and how they like it.

Terry · #2 10-27-2002, 02:00 PM

ZoneAlarm. It works, it's easy, and it's free.

#3 10-27-2002, 02:43 PM

If you're using Windows XP, it has a built-in firewall (stateful) that's quite good.

eMarkM · #4 10-27-2002, 03:16 PM

Yeah, go with ZoneAlarm and get it ASAP. Easy to download and install. It will alert you everytime a program tries to contact the net and puts your ports in "stealth mode". Get it especially if you're like me and just leave your PC on all the time. You're now a node on the net and a prime hacker target.

Check out Shields Up and test your security. There's some other interesting articles in there if you're into this geeky internet security stuff.

BBill · #5 10-27-2002, 03:18 PM

I've got cable and a Linksys router with a built in (hardware) firewall. The router allows more than one pc to share the cable connection.
bbill

Theodore Donald Kiravatsos · #6 10-27-2002, 03:36 PM

I am like a real idiot when it comes to some of this stuff...please help if you can.

Do I need a firewall even if I am still using a dial-up connection? Or can this be put off until I switch to a cable modem? Please don't make fun of me just because I still use AOL.

Terry · #7 10-27-2002, 03:44 PM

The thing about AOL is that you are not actually <font color="orange"> on </font color> the internet; you are connected to their computer which allows you to view the parts of the net that they decide you should be allowed to see.

With a <font color="orange"> real </font color> dial up ISP a firewall is probably not necessary, but it couldn't hurt.