Do I really need a software firewall??

Jimmybeam · 04-26-2008, 04:50 AM

I am running 2 computers, a laptop and a desktop, connected to the web behind a wireless router (the desktop is wired, the laptop wireless). I know routers provide good security. In the past I have run several firewall programs on the desktop before I got my router and I had so many problems with different programs getting hassle free access to the internet. Some were difficult to configure, others impossible to configure so I ditched the software and got the router. Although I have not had any problems, Im about to pass on the desktop to someone who also has a router but Im a little concerned about the way they use the internet, particularly email as they are not very safety savvy. Do I need to install some software or are they ok? I do have a very stable and secure anti virus which does more than enough for me so I have installed the same on the desktop to help with bugs transfered via email. Cheers.

hermeslyre · 04-26-2008, 07:19 AM

If your AV has access to an email scanner, all should be well on that front.. If not both the free version of Avast and AVG offer frontend Email protection.

As towards your primary question.. I myself forego a software firewall for a solitary hardware FW as I know what I'm doing, but this isn't your specific case; A software firewalls ability to monitor outgoing packets/traffic + email security might be helpful here. Layering both a hardware and a software firewall together affords the best possible protection, the only question: If the new owner can put up with the aforementioned hassle and nosiness of a software variant. I know I couldn't..

Jimmybeam · 04-26-2008, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hermeslyre

If your AV has access to an email scanner, all should be well on that front.. If not both the free version of Avast and AVG offer frontend Email protection.

If the new owner can put up with the aforementioned hassle and nosiness of a software variant. I know I couldn't..

I know I couldnt either. I have made them fully aware of the problems and hazards associated with opening email from unknown people and Im pretty sure I have that covered now. With them not being all that internet and computer savvy, I can only see a software firewall causing problems as they probably dont know how to configure program access. I think all should be ok, but I was just curious as to how many people out there use both. Thanks for your input.

04-26-2008, 04:50 AM	#1 (permalink)
Jimmybeam New Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 9	Do I really need a software firewall?? I am running 2 computers, a laptop and a desktop, connected to the web behind a wireless router (the desktop is wired, the laptop wireless). I know routers provide good security. In the past I have run several firewall programs on the desktop before I got my router and I had so many problems with different programs getting hassle free access to the internet. Some were difficult to configure, others impossible to configure so I ditched the software and got the router. Although I have not had any problems, Im about to pass on the desktop to someone who also has a router but Im a little concerned about the way they use the internet, particularly email as they are not very safety savvy. Do I need to install some software or are they ok? I do have a very stable and secure anti virus which does more than enough for me so I have installed the same on the desktop to help with bugs transfered via email. Cheers.

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04-26-2008, 07:19 AM	#2 (permalink)
hermeslyre VIP Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Portland, Oregon Age: 18 Posts: 4,940	If your AV has access to an email scanner, all should be well on that front.. If not both the free version of Avast and AVG offer frontend Email protection. As towards your primary question.. I myself forego a software firewall for a solitary hardware FW as I know what I'm doing, but this isn't your specific case; A software firewalls ability to monitor outgoing packets/traffic + email security might be helpful here. Layering both a hardware and a software firewall together affords the best possible protection, the only question: If the new owner can put up with the aforementioned hassle and nosiness of a software variant. I know I couldn't..