Guest Peter in New Zealand Posted September 1, 2008 Posted September 1, 2008 For some years I have had a LAN with four computers at home, based on a DLink DSL504T modem/router also providing access to the Internet. With the kids all grown up and gone now-a-days I decided to simplify everything. My one remaining machine now connects to the Internet via a SmartAX ADSL2+ MT882 modem using the ethernet port. The old DLink had a hardware firewall built in, and I also ran a software firewall on each individual computer. My question is, now with a firewall also in the new modem, and no LAN any more, do I really need a software firewall on my single machine as well any more? I am running Windows XP SP3 with the Windows firewall enabled at present. Many thanks for any advice offered. -- Peter in New Zealand. (Email address is fake) Collector of old cameras, tropical fish fancier, good coffee nutter, and compulsive computer fiddler.
Guest Pegasus \(MVP\) Posted September 1, 2008 Posted September 1, 2008 Re: Firewall question "Peter in New Zealand" <peterbalplug@extra.co.nz> wrote in message news:g9g4r4$il$1@lust.ihug.co.nz... > For some years I have had a LAN with four computers at home, based on a > DLink DSL504T modem/router also providing access to the Internet. With the > kids all grown up and gone now-a-days I decided to simplify everything. My > one remaining machine now connects to the Internet via a SmartAX ADSL2+ > MT882 modem using the ethernet port. > > The old DLink had a hardware firewall built in, and I also ran a software > firewall on each individual computer. My question is, now with a firewall > also in > the new modem, and no LAN any more, do I really need a software firewall > on > my single machine as well any more? I am running Windows XP SP3 with the > Windows firewall enabled at present. > > Many thanks for any advice offered. > > -- > Peter in New Zealand. (Email address is fake) > Collector of old cameras, tropical fish fancier, good coffee nutter, and > compulsive computer fiddler. Your DLink 504T is an ADSL modem/router and has therefore an inbuilt firewall. It will protect you quite effectively against hackers. You would need a more sophisticated firewall only if you wanted to limit the access granted to applications that you run on your PC. IMHO, people who exercise discipline and restraint when visiting Internet sites do not need a firewall other than the one built into their router. However, if you only had a modem but no router then a firewall would be mandatory.
Guest RJK Posted September 1, 2008 Posted September 1, 2008 Re: Firewall question Some people will relate that a software firewall in addition to a NAT is not necessary. They're the clever clogs who know what they are doing ! I love it when the odd one of those, (who always proclaim that all that is needed is for one to be "web-savvy" and "never open that unsolicited email etc. ...and practice safe surfing habits etc.), get something nasty which has slipped past all their web-savviness :-) My view is that considering that so much software, that ends up in a PC is web-enabled, (and that software writers seem continually to be insisting in their software that it needs to scuttle along to its' home web-site for various reasons), that I like to be notified when something lurking in the background raises its' head with the intention of communicating with its' home web-site ! I don't want all the free "runtime" software such as Adobe reader, and Sun Java, and various application programs to be continually checking with their home site to see if an upgrade is available, for a whole multitude of reasons !! And I've found that some software still tries to 'get out' even after digging right through it to switch off "automatic check for updates," so it makes one wonder just what some of the software writers are up to ! Exceptions are of couse a/v and and other trusted, (and uninfected!), software which is best given permission to collect regular updates. The main attraction of a good 3rd party software firewall, for myself, is that it monitors for, and alerts you to "unauthorized outbound connection attempts", in addition to "unauthorized inbound connection attempts," and for myself helps me to keep and eye on software in my PC that tries to get out, even after telling it "No" :-) regards, Richard "Peter in New Zealand" <peterbalplug@extra.co.nz> wrote in message news:g9g4r4$il$1@lust.ihug.co.nz... > For some years I have had a LAN with four computers at home, based on a > DLink DSL504T modem/router also providing access to the Internet. With the > kids all grown up and gone now-a-days I decided to simplify everything. My > one remaining machine now connects to the Internet via a SmartAX ADSL2+ > MT882 modem using the ethernet port. > > The old DLink had a hardware firewall built in, and I also ran a software > firewall on each individual computer. My question is, now with a firewall > also in > the new modem, and no LAN any more, do I really need a software firewall > on > my single machine as well any more? I am running Windows XP SP3 with the > Windows firewall enabled at present. > > Many thanks for any advice offered. > > -- > Peter in New Zealand. (Email address is fake) > Collector of old cameras, tropical fish fancier, good coffee nutter, and > compulsive computer fiddler. >
Guest Peter in New Zealand Posted September 1, 2008 Posted September 1, 2008 Re: Firewall question Thanks for the comments. I agree some software just doesn't seem able to do without it's umbilical. I always try to disable all calling home that is unnecessary, apart from, as you say, antivirus software and so on. My question was prompted by the fact that the SmartAX ADSL2+ MT882 modem I am using now has a part of it's config setup that has "enable" and "disable" for a firewall, so I assumed it has some sort of firewall built in like the old DLink did. Curious thing is that the manual for it simply doesn't mention anything about a firewall. Hence my question. UPDATE: Just did some more digging on the Internet and found that it does indeed have a firewall built in. So I guess I just answered my own question. My thanks again to those who helped with ideas and comments. -- Peter in New Zealand. (Email address is fake) Collector of old cameras, tropical fish fancier, good coffee nutter, and compulsive computer fiddler. "RJK" <notatospam@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:Ok6MEdBDJHA.5060@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... > Some people will relate that a software firewall in addition to a NAT is > not necessary. They're the clever clogs who know what they are doing ! > I love it when the odd one of those, (who always proclaim that all that is > needed is for one to be "web-savvy" and "never open that unsolicited email > etc. ...and practice safe surfing habits etc.), get something nasty > which has slipped past all their web-savviness :-) > > My view is that considering that so much software, that ends up in a PC is > web-enabled, (and that software writers seem continually to be insisting > in their software that it needs to scuttle along to its' home web-site for > various reasons), that I like to be notified when something lurking in the > background raises its' head with the intention of communicating with its' > home web-site ! > > I don't want all the free "runtime" software such as Adobe reader, and Sun > Java, and various application programs to be continually checking with > their home site to see if an upgrade is available, for a whole multitude > of reasons !! And I've found that some software still tries to 'get out' > even after digging right through it to switch off "automatic check for > updates," so it makes one wonder just what some of the software writers > are up to ! > > Exceptions are of couse a/v and and other trusted, (and uninfected!), > software which is best given permission to collect regular updates. > > The main attraction of a good 3rd party software firewall, for myself, is > that it monitors for, and alerts you to "unauthorized outbound connection > attempts", in addition to "unauthorized inbound connection attempts," and > for myself helps me to keep and eye on software in my PC that tries to get > out, even after telling it "No" :-) > > regards, Richard > > > "Peter in New Zealand" <peterbalplug@extra.co.nz> wrote in message > news:g9g4r4$il$1@lust.ihug.co.nz... >> For some years I have had a LAN with four computers at home, based on a >> DLink DSL504T modem/router also providing access to the Internet. With >> the >> kids all grown up and gone now-a-days I decided to simplify everything. >> My >> one remaining machine now connects to the Internet via a SmartAX ADSL2+ >> MT882 modem using the ethernet port. >> >> The old DLink had a hardware firewall built in, and I also ran a software >> firewall on each individual computer. My question is, now with a firewall >> also in >> the new modem, and no LAN any more, do I really need a software firewall >> on >> my single machine as well any more? I am running Windows XP SP3 with the >> Windows firewall enabled at present. >> >> Many thanks for any advice offered. >> >> -- >> Peter in New Zealand. (Email address is fake) >> Collector of old cameras, tropical fish fancier, good coffee nutter, and >> compulsive computer fiddler. >> > >
Guest RJK Posted September 1, 2008 Posted September 1, 2008 Re: Firewall question Well I'm blowed ! I worked on a PC a couple of months ago that was using a SmartAX adsl modem, and inaddition to the menu labelling in it being a whole world unto itself !! ...I also noticed that the "firewall" seemed to be broken into two parts, after I'd tweaked it around as best I could - http://www.grc.com 's "Shields Up" reported that lots of ports were actively being detected by GRC as "blocked" rather than "Stealthed" ...as he calls it, ....which can attract attention to those ports of course because they're responding as blocked, instead of simply denying access and not responding ! Despite the ambiguous menu labelling inside that SmartAX, it seemd to require that NAT, (again - ambiguously not labelled as such if I recall correctly), and the other "Firewall" options to be enabled. Trying to match up some of the options in that modem with more common terms for them was VERY difficult, I remember. Hers was a adsl modem + 2 or 4 port router, made in China, and supplied by her UK ISP "TalkTalk" ....I can remember not liking it at all ! regards, Richard "Peter in New Zealand" <peterbalplug@extra.co.nz> wrote in message news:g9gi4s$8i5$1@lust.ihug.co.nz... > Thanks for the comments. I agree some software just doesn't seem able to > do without it's umbilical. I always try to disable all calling home that > is unnecessary, apart from, as you say, antivirus software and so on. My > question was prompted by the fact that the SmartAX ADSL2+ MT882 modem I am > using now has a part of it's config setup that has "enable" and "disable" > for a firewall, so I assumed it has some sort of firewall built in like > the old DLink did. Curious thing is that the manual for it simply doesn't > mention anything about a firewall. Hence my question. > > UPDATE: Just did some more digging on the Internet and found that it does > indeed have a firewall built in. So I guess I just answered my own > question. My thanks again to those who helped with ideas and comments. > > -- > Peter in New Zealand. (Email address is fake) > Collector of old cameras, tropical fish fancier, good coffee nutter, and > compulsive computer fiddler. > > > "RJK" <notatospam@hotmail.com> wrote in message > news:Ok6MEdBDJHA.5060@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... >> Some people will relate that a software firewall in addition to a NAT is >> not necessary. They're the clever clogs who know what they are doing ! >> I love it when the odd one of those, (who always proclaim that all that >> is needed is for one to be "web-savvy" and "never open that unsolicited >> email etc. ...and practice safe surfing habits etc.), get something >> nasty which has slipped past all their web-savviness :-) >> >> My view is that considering that so much software, that ends up in a PC >> is web-enabled, (and that software writers seem continually to be >> insisting in their software that it needs to scuttle along to its' home >> web-site for various reasons), that I like to be notified when something >> lurking in the background raises its' head with the intention of >> communicating with its' home web-site ! >> >> I don't want all the free "runtime" software such as Adobe reader, and >> Sun Java, and various application programs to be continually checking >> with their home site to see if an upgrade is available, for a whole >> multitude of reasons !! And I've found that some software still tries >> to 'get out' even after digging right through it to switch off >> "automatic check for updates," so it makes one wonder just what some of >> the software writers are up to ! >> >> Exceptions are of couse a/v and and other trusted, (and uninfected!), >> software which is best given permission to collect regular updates. >> >> The main attraction of a good 3rd party software firewall, for myself, is >> that it monitors for, and alerts you to "unauthorized outbound connection >> attempts", in addition to "unauthorized inbound connection attempts," and >> for myself helps me to keep and eye on software in my PC that tries to >> get out, even after telling it "No" :-) >> >> regards, Richard >> >> >> "Peter in New Zealand" <peterbalplug@extra.co.nz> wrote in message >> news:g9g4r4$il$1@lust.ihug.co.nz... >>> For some years I have had a LAN with four computers at home, based on a >>> DLink DSL504T modem/router also providing access to the Internet. With >>> the >>> kids all grown up and gone now-a-days I decided to simplify everything. >>> My >>> one remaining machine now connects to the Internet via a SmartAX ADSL2+ >>> MT882 modem using the ethernet port. >>> >>> The old DLink had a hardware firewall built in, and I also ran a >>> software >>> firewall on each individual computer. My question is, now with a >>> firewall also in >>> the new modem, and no LAN any more, do I really need a software firewall >>> on >>> my single machine as well any more? I am running Windows XP SP3 with the >>> Windows firewall enabled at present. >>> >>> Many thanks for any advice offered. >>> >>> -- >>> Peter in New Zealand. (Email address is fake) >>> Collector of old cameras, tropical fish fancier, good coffee nutter, and >>> compulsive computer fiddler. >>> >> >> > >
Guest MAP Posted September 1, 2008 Posted September 1, 2008 Re: Firewall question RJK wrote: > Some people will relate that a software firewall in addition to a NAT > is not necessary. They're the clever clogs who know what they are > doing ! I love it when the odd one of those, (who always proclaim that all > that is needed is for one to be "web-savvy" and "never open that > unsolicited email etc. ...and practice safe surfing habits etc.), > get something nasty which has slipped past all their web-savviness :-) > > My view is that considering that so much software, that ends up in a > PC is web-enabled, (and that software writers seem continually to be > insisting in their software that it needs to scuttle along to its' > home web-site for various reasons), that I like to be notified when > something lurking in the background raises its' head with the > intention of communicating with its' home web-site ! > > I don't want all the free "runtime" software such as Adobe reader, > and Sun Java, and various application programs to be continually > checking with their home site to see if an upgrade is available, for > a whole multitude of reasons !! And I've found that some software > still tries to 'get out' even after digging right through it to > switch off "automatic check for updates," so it makes one wonder > just what some of the software writers are up to ! > Exceptions are of couse a/v and and other trusted, (and uninfected!), > software which is best given permission to collect regular updates. > > The main attraction of a good 3rd party software firewall, for > myself, is that it monitors for, and alerts you to "unauthorized > outbound connection attempts", in addition to "unauthorized inbound > connection attempts," and for myself helps me to keep and eye on > software in my PC that tries to get out, even after telling it "No" :-) > regards, Richard > > > "Peter in New Zealand" <peterbalplug@extra.co.nz> wrote in message > news:g9g4r4$il$1@lust.ihug.co.nz... >> For some years I have had a LAN with four computers at home, based >> on a DLink DSL504T modem/router also providing access to the >> Internet. With the kids all grown up and gone now-a-days I decided >> to simplify everything. My one remaining machine now connects to the >> Internet via a SmartAX ADSL2+ MT882 modem using the ethernet port. >> >> The old DLink had a hardware firewall built in, and I also ran a >> software firewall on each individual computer. My question is, now >> with a firewall also in >> the new modem, and no LAN any more, do I really need a software >> firewall on >> my single machine as well any more? I am running Windows XP SP3 with >> the Windows firewall enabled at present. >> >> Many thanks for any advice offered. >> >> -- >> Peter in New Zealand. (Email address is fake) >> Collector of old cameras, tropical fish fancier, good coffee nutter, >> and compulsive computer fiddler. Good post Richard. -- Mike Pawlak
Guest MAP Posted September 1, 2008 Posted September 1, 2008 Re: Firewall question Peter in New Zealand wrote: > For some years I have had a LAN with four computers at home, based on > a DLink DSL504T modem/router also providing access to the Internet. > With the kids all grown up and gone now-a-days I decided to simplify > everything. My one remaining machine now connects to the Internet via > a SmartAX ADSL2+ MT882 modem using the ethernet port. > > The old DLink had a hardware firewall built in, and I also ran a > software firewall on each individual computer. My question is, now > with a firewall also in > the new modem, and no LAN any more, do I really need a software > firewall on my single machine as well any more? I am running Windows > XP SP3 with the Windows firewall enabled at present. > > Many thanks for any advice offered. http://blog.scotsnewsletter.com/2008/03/24/the-best-firewall-software-of-2008-online-armor/ -- Mike Pawlak
Guest Twayne Posted September 1, 2008 Posted September 1, 2008 Re: Firewall question > "Peter in New Zealand" <peterbalplug@extra.co.nz> wrote in message > news:g9g4r4$il$1@lust.ihug.co.nz... >> For some years I have had a LAN with four computers at home, based >> on a DLink DSL504T modem/router also providing access to the >> Internet. With the kids all grown up and gone now-a-days I decided >> to simplify everything. My one remaining machine now connects to the >> Internet via a SmartAX ADSL2+ MT882 modem using the ethernet port. >> >> The old DLink had a hardware firewall built in, and I also ran a >> software firewall on each individual computer. My question is, now >> with a firewall also in >> the new modem, and no LAN any more, do I really need a software >> firewall on >> my single machine as well any more? I am running Windows XP SP3 with >> the Windows firewall enabled at present. >> >> Many thanks for any advice offered. >> >> -- >> Peter in New Zealand. (Email address is fake) >> Collector of old cameras, tropical fish fancier, good coffee nutter, >> and compulsive computer fiddler. > > Your DLink 504T is an ADSL modem/router and has therefore an inbuilt > firewall. It will protect you quite effectively against hackers. You > would need a more sophisticated firewall only if you wanted to limit > the access granted to applications that you run on your PC. > > IMHO, people who exercise discipline and restraint when visiting > Internet sites do not need a firewall other than the one built into > their router. However, if you only had a modem but no router then a > firewall would be mandatory. That's nearly as ignorant as the poor souls who don't yet have the savvy to even know what discipline and restreaint etc. are necessary yet. If you didn't have such a huge ego you'd have room for your software firewall and because you think you know, doesn't mean anything about any other single person on this planet. NAT routers et al only give you a first level of protection. Because YOU think you don't need one, and the size of you ego makes me wonder, has absolutely no bearing on the rest of society. A second, 2-way firewall such as ZoneAlarm etc., is indeed worth having for most people. One of the thngs I detest most on the internet is misinformation, which your bloated-ego response meets perfectly.
Guest Peter in New Zealand Posted September 1, 2008 Posted September 1, 2008 Re: Firewall question "RJK" <notatospam@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:uoNqp4DDJHA.4588@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl... > Well I'm blowed ! I worked on a PC a couple of months ago that was using > a SmartAX adsl modem, and inaddition to the menu labelling in it being a > whole world unto itself !! ...I also noticed that the "firewall" seemed to > be broken into two parts, after I'd tweaked it around as best I could - > http://www.grc.com 's "Shields Up" reported that lots of ports were actively > being detected by GRC as "blocked" rather than "Stealthed" ...as he calls > it, Interesting - I had forgotten about GRC, so after your timely reminder I tried it myself. The system is running just with the Windows firewall, and with the modem in an "out-of-the-box" state, apart from my user name and password of course. And it was reported by Shieldsup as being stealthed on all of the 1056 ports it tests. Perhaps Vodafone (my NZ ISP) is tweaking something before sending out the modems. The modem itself and its manual are certainly VERY unhelpful as far as information about the firewall is concerned. -- Peter in New Zealand. (Email address is fake) Collector of old cameras, tropical fish fancier, good coffee nutter, and compulsive computer fiddler.
Guest Pegasus \(MVP\) Posted September 1, 2008 Posted September 1, 2008 Re: Firewall question "Twayne" <nobody@devnull.spamcop.net> wrote in message news:OvtXbDHDJHA.4700@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... >> "Peter in New Zealand" <peterbalplug@extra.co.nz> wrote in message >> news:g9g4r4$il$1@lust.ihug.co.nz... >>> For some years I have had a LAN with four computers at home, based >>> on a DLink DSL504T modem/router also providing access to the >>> Internet. With the kids all grown up and gone now-a-days I decided >>> to simplify everything. My one remaining machine now connects to the >>> Internet via a SmartAX ADSL2+ MT882 modem using the ethernet port. >>> >>> The old DLink had a hardware firewall built in, and I also ran a >>> software firewall on each individual computer. My question is, now >>> with a firewall also in >>> the new modem, and no LAN any more, do I really need a software >>> firewall on >>> my single machine as well any more? I am running Windows XP SP3 with >>> the Windows firewall enabled at present. >>> >>> Many thanks for any advice offered. >>> >>> -- >>> Peter in New Zealand. (Email address is fake) >>> Collector of old cameras, tropical fish fancier, good coffee nutter, >>> and compulsive computer fiddler. >> >> Your DLink 504T is an ADSL modem/router and has therefore an inbuilt >> firewall. It will protect you quite effectively against hackers. You >> would need a more sophisticated firewall only if you wanted to limit >> the access granted to applications that you run on your PC. >> >> IMHO, people who exercise discipline and restraint when visiting >> Internet sites do not need a firewall other than the one built into >> their router. However, if you only had a modem but no router then a >> firewall would be mandatory. > > That's nearly as ignorant as the poor souls who don't yet have the savvy > to even know what discipline and restreaint etc. are necessary yet. If > you didn't have such a huge ego you'd have room for your software firewall > and because you think you know, doesn't mean anything about any other > single person on this planet. > > NAT routers et al only give you a first level of protection. Because YOU > think you don't need one, and the size of you ego makes me wonder, has > absolutely no bearing on the rest of society. A second, 2-way firewall > such as ZoneAlarm etc., is indeed worth having for most people. One of the > thngs I detest most on the internet is misinformation, which your > bloated-ego response meets perfectly. > I suggest you change the balance of your reply: Ease off on attacking me (which does nothing whatsoever for the OP), put some real meat on the technical side of your reply (which would be of real value to the OP).
Guest RJK Posted September 1, 2008 Posted September 1, 2008 Re: Firewall question I should have mentioned that her SmartAX modem is fine, and after resetting it, and setting it back up with her ISP details - it was fine, including a quick check at http://www.grc.com 's "Shields Up" that was okay. ....I suppose what I was really saying is that there were some screens in there using labels that I couldn't quickly identify, compared to NetGear and Linksys products. ...Pretty much like motherboard bios screens ! regards, Richard "Peter in New Zealand" <peterbalplug@extra.co.nz> wrote in message news:g9hjcp$s6i$1@lust.ihug.co.nz... > "RJK" <notatospam@hotmail.com> wrote in message > news:uoNqp4DDJHA.4588@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl... >> Well I'm blowed ! I worked on a PC a couple of months ago that was using >> a SmartAX adsl modem, and inaddition to the menu labelling in it being a >> whole world unto itself !! ...I also noticed that the "firewall" seemed >> to be broken into two parts, after I'd tweaked it around as best I >> could - http://www.grc.com 's "Shields Up" reported that lots of ports were >> actively being detected by GRC as "blocked" rather than "Stealthed" >> ...as he calls it, > > Interesting - I had forgotten about GRC, so after your timely reminder I > tried it myself. The system is running just with the Windows firewall, and > with the modem in an "out-of-the-box" state, apart from my user name and > password of course. And it was reported by Shieldsup as being stealthed on > all of the 1056 ports it tests. > > Perhaps Vodafone (my NZ ISP) is tweaking something before sending out the > modems. The modem itself and its manual are certainly VERY unhelpful as > far as information about the firewall is concerned. > > -- > Peter in New Zealand. (Email address is fake) > Collector of old cameras, tropical fish fancier, good coffee nutter, and > compulsive computer fiddler. >
Guest db.·.. > Posted September 1, 2008 Posted September 1, 2008 Re: Firewall question hmm..? people who are highly knowledgeable can run around the internet w/o a anti virus, like i do for the reason you state. but using the windows firewall is convenient and better than not having one at all. router firewalls are not worth the time or trouble and perhaps are a secondary defense for webservers and not home servers. -- db·´¯`·...¸><)))º> "Pegasus (MVP)" <I.can@fly.com.oz> wrote in message news:ONawlWBDJHA.4704@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl... > > "Peter in New Zealand" <peterbalplug@extra.co.nz> wrote in message news:g9g4r4$il$1@lust.ihug.co.nz... >> For some years I have had a LAN with four computers at home, based on a >> DLink DSL504T modem/router also providing access to the Internet. With the >> kids all grown up and gone now-a-days I decided to simplify everything. My >> one remaining machine now connects to the Internet via a SmartAX ADSL2+ >> MT882 modem using the ethernet port. >> >> The old DLink had a hardware firewall built in, and I also ran a software >> firewall on each individual computer. My question is, now with a firewall also in >> the new modem, and no LAN any more, do I really need a software firewall on >> my single machine as well any more? I am running Windows XP SP3 with the >> Windows firewall enabled at present. >> >> Many thanks for any advice offered. >> >> -- >> Peter in New Zealand. (Email address is fake) >> Collector of old cameras, tropical fish fancier, good coffee nutter, and >> compulsive computer fiddler. > > Your DLink 504T is an ADSL modem/router and has therefore an inbuilt firewall. It will protect you quite effectively against > hackers. You would need a more sophisticated firewall only if you wanted to limit the access granted to applications that you run > on your PC. > > IMHO, people who exercise discipline and restraint when visiting Internet sites do not need a firewall other than the one built > into their router. However, if you only had a modem but no router then a firewall would be mandatory. >
Guest Bill in Co. Posted September 1, 2008 Posted September 1, 2008 Re: Firewall question > hmm..? > > people who are highly > knowledgeable can run > around the internet w/o > a anti virus, like i do Come again?? > for the reason you state. > > but using the windows > firewall is convenient and > better than not having one > at all. > > router firewalls are not > worth the time or trouble > and perhaps are a secondary > defense for webservers and > not home servers. > > -- > > db·´¯`·...¸><)))º> > > > "Pegasus (MVP)" <I.can@fly.com.oz> wrote in message > news:ONawlWBDJHA.4704@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl... >> >> "Peter in New Zealand" <peterbalplug@extra.co.nz> wrote in message >> news:g9g4r4$il$1@lust.ihug.co.nz... >>> For some years I have had a LAN with four computers at home, based on a >>> DLink DSL504T modem/router also providing access to the Internet. With >>> the >>> kids all grown up and gone now-a-days I decided to simplify everything. >>> My >>> one remaining machine now connects to the Internet via a SmartAX ADSL2+ >>> MT882 modem using the ethernet port. >>> >>> The old DLink had a hardware firewall built in, and I also ran a >>> software >>> firewall on each individual computer. My question is, now with a >>> firewall >>> also in the new modem, and no LAN any more, do I really need a software >>> firewall on my single machine as well any more? I am running Windows XP >>> SP3 with the >>> Windows firewall enabled at present. >>> >>> Many thanks for any advice offered. >>> >>> -- >>> Peter in New Zealand. (Email address is fake) >>> Collector of old cameras, tropical fish fancier, good coffee nutter, and >>> compulsive computer fiddler. >> >> Your DLink 504T is an ADSL modem/router and has therefore an inbuilt >> firewall. It will protect you quite effectively against hackers. You >> would >> need a more sophisticated firewall only if you wanted to limit the access >> granted to applications that you run on your PC. IMHO, people who >> exercise discipline and restraint when visiting Internet >> sites do not need a firewall other than the one built into their router. >> However, if you only had a modem but no router then a firewall would be >> mandatory.
Guest Pegasus \(MVP\) Posted September 1, 2008 Posted September 1, 2008 Re: Firewall question " db.·.. ><))) ·>` .. ." <databaseben.public.newsgroup.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:e06v2ZHDJHA.1180@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... > hmm..? > > people who are highly > knowledgeable can run > around the internet w/o > a anti virus, like i do > for the reason you state. I thought the subject was "Firewall", not "Virus"?
Guest db.·.. > Posted September 1, 2008 Posted September 1, 2008 Re: Firewall question potato's, patato's... running around w/o protection is best left for the experts. -- db·´¯`·...¸><)))º> "Pegasus (MVP)" <I.can@fly.com.oz> wrote in message news:uH505hHDJHA.4884@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl... > > " db.·.. ><))) ·>` .. ." <databaseben.public.newsgroup.microsoft.com> wrote in message > news:e06v2ZHDJHA.1180@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... >> hmm..? >> >> people who are highly >> knowledgeable can run >> around the internet w/o >> a anti virus, like i do >> for the reason you state. > > I thought the subject was "Firewall", not "Virus"? >
Guest John John (MVP) Posted September 1, 2008 Posted September 1, 2008 Re: Firewall question db.·.. ><))) ·>` .. . wrote: > hmm..? > > people who are highly > knowledgeable can run > around the internet w/o > a anti virus, like i do > for the reason you state. Perfect example of a false premise in a syllogism, only the conclusion is missing...
Guest Bill in Co. Posted September 1, 2008 Posted September 1, 2008 Re: Firewall question John John (MVP) wrote: > db.·.. ><))) ·>` .. . wrote: > >> hmm..? >> >> people who are highly >> knowledgeable can run >> around the internet w/o >> a anti virus, like i do >> for the reason you state. > > Perfect example of a false premise in a syllogism, only the conclusion > is missing... You better explain to him what a syllogism is.
Guest Peter in New Zealand Posted September 1, 2008 Posted September 1, 2008 Re: Firewall question Gentlemen, gentlemen, (& ladies?), I appreciate the helpful and knowlegeable comments here, and I have read them carefully. I think I will stay with the router firewall, and the built in Windows XP firewall. Frankly. it's been so long since I last picked up a problem that I can't remember when that was. What I do remember about it is that it was my own stupid fault for browsing without any protection whatsoever at the time. I learned a sharp lesson, and deservedly so. I also run Avast antivirus, and a paid for version of Ashampoo AntiSpyWare. I used my old DLink router for a few years with nothing more than its own built in firewall, and never had a problem (that I know of - grin), so I'll keep the same sort of setup for now. Once again, I am grateful for the comments and suggestions. -- Peter in New Zealand. (Email address is fake) Collector of old cameras, tropical fish fancier, good coffee nutter, and compulsive computer fiddler. "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message news:uhYhSFIDJHA.5196@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... > John John (MVP) wrote: >> db.·.. ><))) ·>` .. . wrote: >> >>> hmm..? >>> >>> people who are highly >>> knowledgeable can run >>> around the internet w/o >>> a anti virus, like i do >>> for the reason you state. >> >> Perfect example of a false premise in a syllogism, only the conclusion >> is missing... > > You better explain to him what a syllogism is. >
Guest Kayman Posted September 2, 2008 Posted September 2, 2008 Re: Firewall question On Mon, 1 Sep 2008 16:25:29 -0400, Twayne wrote: <snip> > A second, 2-way firewall such as ZoneAlarm etc., is indeed worth having > for most people. Please provide technical & security related reasons for recommending ZA and relevant statistics in relation to "...worth having for *most* people". > One of the thngs I detest most on the internet is misinformation, Recommending ZA as an Internet Security application is gross misinformation! > which your bloated-ego response meets perfectly. Which 3rd party software manufacturer do you represent?
Guest Leythos Posted September 2, 2008 Posted September 2, 2008 Re: Firewall question In article <Oa0Z1HJDJHA.4932@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl>, kaymanDeleteThis@operamail.com says... > Recommending ZA as an Internet Security application is gross > misinformation! > I know more people that have been compromised using third party firewall software on their computers than I know that have been protected by it. Most people that use ZA/ZAP are also completely ignorant and just accept/allow anything through, they also run as local administrators, they just don't have a clue. -- - Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum. - Calling an illegal alien an "undocumented worker" is like calling a drug dealer an "unlicensed pharmacist" spam999free@rrohio.com (remove 999 for proper email address)
Guest Twayne Posted September 2, 2008 Posted September 2, 2008 Re: Firewall question > "Twayne" <nobody@devnull.spamcop.net> wrote in message > news:OvtXbDHDJHA.4700@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... >>> "Peter in New Zealand" <peterbalplug@extra.co.nz> wrote in message >>> news:g9g4r4$il$1@lust.ihug.co.nz... >>>> For some years I have had a LAN with four computers at home, based >>>> on a DLink DSL504T modem/router also providing access to the >>>> Internet. With the kids all grown up and gone now-a-days I decided >>>> to simplify everything. My one remaining machine now connects to >>>> the Internet via a SmartAX ADSL2+ MT882 modem using the ethernet >>>> port. The old DLink had a hardware firewall built in, and I also >>>> ran a >>>> software firewall on each individual computer. My question is, now >>>> with a firewall also in >>>> the new modem, and no LAN any more, do I really need a software >>>> firewall on >>>> my single machine as well any more? I am running Windows XP SP3 >>>> with the Windows firewall enabled at present. >>>> >>>> Many thanks for any advice offered. >>>> >>>> -- >>>> Peter in New Zealand. (Email address is fake) >>>> Collector of old cameras, tropical fish fancier, good coffee >>>> nutter, and compulsive computer fiddler. >>> >>> Your DLink 504T is an ADSL modem/router and has therefore an inbuilt >>> firewall. It will protect you quite effectively against hackers. You >>> would need a more sophisticated firewall only if you wanted to limit >>> the access granted to applications that you run on your PC. >>> >>> IMHO, people who exercise discipline and restraint when visiting >>> Internet sites do not need a firewall other than the one built into >>> their router. However, if you only had a modem but no router then a >>> firewall would be mandatory. >> >> That's nearly as ignorant as the poor souls who don't yet have the >> savvy to even know what discipline and restreaint etc. are necessary >> yet. If you didn't have such a huge ego you'd have room for your >> software firewall and because you think you know, doesn't mean >> anything about any other single person on this planet. >> >> NAT routers et al only give you a first level of protection. Because >> YOU think you don't need one, and the size of you ego makes >> me wonder, has absolutely no bearing on the rest of society. A >> second, 2-way firewall such as ZoneAlarm etc., is indeed worth >> having for most people. One of the thngs I detest most on the >> internet is misinformation, which your bloated-ego response meets >> perfectly. > > I suggest you change the balance of your reply: Ease off on attacking > me (which does nothing whatsoever for the OP), put some real meat on > the technical side of your reply (which would be of real value to the > OP). I will "attack" as you put it, misinformation wherever and whenever I find it and wish to do so. You attempted to paint the universe with all one color and that doesn't work. If you want someone to have more accurate information, I would suggest you provide it. I have nothing against you personally; only misinformation. If you feel that's against you, then so be it; I can't help that. I seldom pay attention to names unless I see grossly incorrect information so up to this point i had no idea it was you who posted that; the author wasn't important yet. The misinformation is/was. I think I made myself clear enough. The OP can make his own decisions, even do his own research. Were he to ask further questions I would gladly provide any relevant information or experience that I may have. I will admit one thing; I did have more for the OP In the way of information, but I was interrupted and didn't get back to posting directly until just now. So in some way I am remiss in providing information. But from the look of the thread it's all become moot now.
Guest Twayne Posted September 2, 2008 Posted September 2, 2008 Re: Firewall question > On Mon, 1 Sep 2008 16:25:29 -0400, Twayne wrote: > > <snip> > >> A second, 2-way firewall such as ZoneAlarm etc., is indeed worth >> having for most people. > > Please provide technical & security related reasons for recommending > ZA and relevant statistics in relation to "...worth having for *most* > people". > >> One of the thngs I detest most on the internet is misinformation, > > Recommending ZA as an Internet Security application is gross > misinformation! > >> which your bloated-ego response meets perfectly. > > Which 3rd party software manufacturer do you represent? You need to reread and try to find a recommendation there for ZA. Perhaps you would have preferred if I listed every one I could think of starting with Avira? I 'represent' ALL software mfrs that I like, use and trust.
Guest Phisherman Posted September 2, 2008 Posted September 2, 2008 Re: Firewall question On Mon, 1 Sep 2008 19:15:42 +1200, "Peter in New Zealand" <peterbalplug@extra.co.nz> wrote: >For some years I have had a LAN with four computers at home, based on a >DLink DSL504T modem/router also providing access to the Internet. With the >kids all grown up and gone now-a-days I decided to simplify everything. My >one remaining machine now connects to the Internet via a SmartAX ADSL2+ >MT882 modem using the ethernet port. > >The old DLink had a hardware firewall built in, and I also ran a software >firewall on each individual computer. My question is, now with a firewall >also in >the new modem, and no LAN any more, do I really need a software firewall on >my single machine as well any more? I am running Windows XP SP3 with the >Windows firewall enabled at present. > >Many thanks for any advice offered. Go to http://www.grc.com and run Shields Up! It will plot a graph of any open, closed, and stealth ports and show possible vulnerable areas you can fix. Don't try this at work, as it hammers a firewall and may upset a security systems administrator.
Guest Pegasus \(MVP\) Posted September 2, 2008 Posted September 2, 2008 Re: Firewall question "Twayne" <nobody@devnull.spamcop.net> wrote in message news:eA0GyLKDJHA.5656@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... >> "Twayne" <nobody@devnull.spamcop.net> wrote in message >> news:OvtXbDHDJHA.4700@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... > I will "attack" as you put it, misinformation wherever and whenever I find > it and wish to do so. In a technical forum one puts forward facts to discuss an issue. In a bar room brawl one ignores the facts and attacks the person. The language you used lacks the objectivity one expects in a technical discusssion.
Guest Kayman Posted September 2, 2008 Posted September 2, 2008 Re: Firewall question On Mon, 1 Sep 2008 20:37:27 -0400, Leythos wrote: > In article <Oa0Z1HJDJHA.4932@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl>, > kaymanDeleteThis@operamail.com says... >> Recommending ZA as an Internet Security application is gross >> misinformation! >> > > I know more people that have been compromised using third party firewall > software on their computers than I know that have been protected by it. Very true. And because the (PFW) software is so poorly coded they can be problematic when trying to remove from the operating system. > Most people that use ZA/ZAP are also completely ignorant and just > accept/allow anything through, they also run as local administrators, > they just don't have a clue. Yes. If usage of LUA/UAC and in-build f/w in WinXP/Vista would be advertised/promoted as aggressively as PFW's we'd have more well informed users.
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