Firewalls

  • Thread starter Thread starter Joe
  • Start date Start date
J

Joe

I have an wireless extermal modem for connecting to the
internet. On my computer I have a software firewall by
Norton. Should I do any more things to protect my PC?
Also, is it bad to have both the software firewall and
the windows xp firewall activated at the time?
 
Using Windows Firewall in conjuction with third-party firewall program is
fine. Windows Firewall works by only accepting packets you (your computer)
requests. Third-party firewalls tend to have more features such as what
ports you want opened or closed, what services you wish to run or disable,
etc.. One thing you should be concerned with is the security of your
wireless network. Check out Microsoft's recommendations at
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/broadbandnetworking/10_concept_wireless_security.mspx

Good Luck!
 
I wouldn't run both firewalls, as they are both software firewalls. Pick
one or the other. XP only blocks incoming traffic and not outgoing traffic
from what I understand, thats why I use a different firewall.
 
You don't need to run two firewalls though many do and without issue.

You should also connect through a router. Routers have come down in price
and they provide an extra layer of protection. They can act as something of
a hardware firewall and in conjunction with a software firewall makes your
system very hard to penetrate.
 
You didn't say but I'm assuming you have only one computer at this point.
Just so you know, if you ever decide to construct a home network, you will
have to disable the XP firewall. The XP ICF is only intended for single
computers connected *directly* to the internet, not for computers in a
networked environment.
 
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