What Firewall?

[Lid]

I've just received a shiny new custom built PC to replace my ageing 1998 Windows 98 model. Now as I understand it my win98 system was pretty safe from external attack, but I've heard that as soon as I connect my new XP Pro machine to my (NTL) broadband connection I'll receive all sorts of 'gifts' and attacks. So what firewall should I use please?

 

I don't want to load the old PC up with something like Smoothwall as the whole idea of the new PC is it is virtually silent. However I am willing to use a small piece of unobtrusive silent hardware if this recommended.

 

Thanks.

Edited December 16, 2005 by Lid

[Guest NickInTheNorth]

Probably best to get hold of an cable router with a built in firewall. Netgear do them, as do dlink and probably others. Probably pay around £50 to £60.

 

Much safer than a software firewall.

 

But smoothwall is very good...

[zenith10]

windows xp sp2 intergrated firewall is good along with sygate personla firewall

[Lid]

I use NTL broadband with a cable modem. Does anyone know if there is a combined cable modem and firewall I can get to reduce the clutter, etc?

[Guest NickInTheNorth]

Hi Lid

 

The router does the same job as a modem, and has the firewall built in. I wouldn't swear to it but I don't think you'll find a modem with built in firewall protection

 

here's one example.

[Newt]

Lid - I agree with Nick but for now, if you have XP SP2 (service pack 2) loaded as a new PC should, a good firewall is part of that and should be active when you get the machine.

 

The XP firewall only protects against stuff trying to force itself in where the commercial stuff also blocks stuff trying to sneak out but FWIW, I only run the XP firewall and a router that uses NAT (too old to have firewall built in) and have stayed safe. It will at least do you as in interim solution.

[pestguard1]

Lid!

 

 

I have a Thompson Speedtouch 510 series router (with built in firewall ) and Panda internet security 2005 which has it`s own fire wall ....................................nowt but nowt gets through these two.

[Lid]

Thanks. Yes I do have XP Pro SP2, so will start off with that to prove it all works, etc.

[Colin Brett]

I've been using Kerio, which has/is really good. Sadly Kerio will no longer support the personal firewall from the end of next year, so the advice here is most welcome.

Looks like the Router route is the favoured route to travel!

 

Colin

[Guest NickInTheNorth]

My personal opinion is that software firewalls are fine for dial up type connections. For the "always on" type - cable adsl etc I believe a hardware solution of some description is vital.

 

It provides for a degree of physical seperation between your pc and the internet.

 

Like you Colin I am auser of (and huge fan) Kerio, and also liked sygate. Sadly symantec have bought and killed sygate and as you say kerio is on the way out. Quite what software firewall I'm going to use in the future I'm not yet sure. It won't be zone alarm however, I've just never got on with it.

 

I am however experimenting with Ubuntu Linux, and like what I have seen so far, so may well ditch windows altogether for any internet connected PC's.