Do I need a Firewall?

October 29th, 2003

I am an experienced computer user but I have had no experience of Networking.

I have two laptops networked through a Linksys BEFSR41 router to a NTL cable modem.

Everything works OK.

What I do not under stand is the need for a firewall. I understand, well I think I understand, that the router has some form of built-in firewall. Is this sufficient or do I need extra protection?

I have used search but I did not find an answer to my dilemma.

**NetRyder** · October 29th, 2003

Take a look at this thread:
http://www.ntfs.org/forum/showthread...threadid=40053

**rushm001** · October 29th, 2003

I must get about 1 or 2 every hour picked up by Norton, so yes I would have one.

sammy5gs · October 29th, 2003

Your router ( I have that one as well) has inbound firewall protection, but does not protect in information going out (from your pc). Therefore, in the slight chance someone placed a trojan/executable on your rig that is providing them with all types of information, your router would not be able to stop that.

So, yes, getting a software firewall (Kerio, ZA, etc) would be worth it.

October 29th, 2003

Thanks for all the helpful advice. I have read the thread and i now have a slightly better understanding of the concept.

I have Zone Alarm Pro but I have not yet installed it.

Do I have to install it on both computers?

Are there any special settings needed because the computers are on a network?

sammy5gs · October 29th, 2003

Originally posted by DJC
Thanks for all the helpful advice. I have read the thread and i now have a slightly better understanding of the concept.

I have Zone Alarm Pro but I have not yet installed it.

Do I have to install it on both computers?

Are there any special settings needed because the computers are on a network?

Yes - You have to install them on both PCs.

and when you install it both, ZAP will detect the network, and if it is giving you the static IP address for your network, you will have to make it a Trusted Network in order to share files back and forth.

**LeeJend** · October 30th, 2003

Also, don't forget to change the default admin password on the router. If you leave it at the factory default someone can remotely take control of it and open up it's NAT firewall by setting it to DMZ.

October 29th, 2003	Top \| #1
DJC Unregistered Posts: n/a	Do I need a Firewall? I am an experienced computer user but I have had no experience of Networking. I have two laptops networked through a Linksys BEFSR41 router to a NTL cable modem. Everything works OK. What I do not under stand is the need for a firewall. I understand, well I think I understand, that the router has some form of built-in firewall. Is this sufficient or do I need extra protection? I have used search but I did not find an answer to my dilemma.

October 29th, 2003	Top \| #2
NetRyder Tech Junkie Joined: April 2002 Location: New York City Posts: 13,256 Reputation: 4260 Power: 298	Take a look at this thread: http://www.ntfs.org/forum/showthread...threadid=40053 http://kunal.kundaje.net

October 29th, 2003	Top \| #6
sammy5gs Ignorance Defined Joined: February 2004 Posts: 44 Reputation: 0 Power: 102	Originally posted by DJC Thanks for all the helpful advice. I have read the thread and i now have a slightly better understanding of the concept. I have Zone Alarm Pro but I have not yet installed it. Do I have to install it on both computers? Are there any special settings needed because the computers are on a network? Yes - You have to install them on both PCs. and when you install it both, ZAP will detect the network, and if it is giving you the static IP address for your network, you will have to make it a Trusted Network in order to share files back and forth.

October 30th, 2003	Top \| #7
LeeJend OSNN Veteran Addict Joined: January 2003 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 5,261 Reputation: 3386 Power: 199	Also, don't forget to change the default admin password on the router. If you leave it at the factory default someone can remotely take control of it and open up it's NAT firewall by setting it to DMZ. Thought for the new millenium: In a world without walls and fences, who needs Windows and Gates? - Open Office - Firefox - Thunderbird - Gimp -Ubuntu - Red Hat -

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October 29th, 2003	Top \| #3
rushm001 In the beginning...... Joined: September 2002 Location: Norfolk, UK Posts: 3,480 Reputation: 1370 Power: 165	I must get about 1 or 2 every hour picked up by Norton, so yes I would have one.

October 29th, 2003	Top \| #4
sammy5gs Ignorance Defined Joined: February 2004 Posts: 44 Reputation: 0 Power: 102	Your router ( I have that one as well) has inbound firewall protection, but does not protect in information going out (from your pc). Therefore, in the slight chance someone placed a trojan/executable on your rig that is providing them with all types of information, your router would not be able to stop that. So, yes, getting a software firewall (Kerio, ZA, etc) would be worth it.

October 29th, 2003	Top \| #5
DJC Unregistered Posts: n/a	Thanks for all the helpful advice. I have read the thread and i now have a slightly better understanding of the concept. I have Zone Alarm Pro but I have not yet installed it. Do I have to install it on both computers? Are there any special settings needed because the computers are on a network?