Firewalls

PrenticeBoyofDerry · Posted: Tue Oct 20, 2009 9:30 pm Post Subject: Firewalls

If windows Firewall is not the best which one is?
No falling out

and no lock outs

lock ins please

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TheOriginalTonkaToy · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 12:13 pm Post Subject:

The Comodo personal firewall is excellent.

wanleg · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 12:34 pm Post Subject: Re: Firewalls

PrenticeBoyofDerry wrote:

If windows Firewall is not the best

It has it's place.

Sounds like this is for personal rather than business use.....

I'm guessing most people will be using the firewall built into their broadband routers these days.

Before my router I used to use ZoneAlarm which I liked except that certain programs/services would ask for permission to connect to the Internet that could confuse some people...like Service Host for example.

Any firewall with regular code updates is a great start.

Check your firewall with the Shields UP service at http://www.grc.com/intro.htm

I hear good things about Comodo as recommended by Tonka.

kjacko · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 1:51 pm Post Subject:

lets just confirm.....your pc i directly connected to your cable or adsl modem?
And neither are routers?

daozen · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 3:42 pm Post Subject:

Try here for the best free/non-free firewalls: http://www.matousec.com/projects/proactive-security-challenge/results.php

PCTools Firewall is at the top, and is easier than Comodo to use!

NatB · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 5:58 pm Post Subject:

TheOriginalTonkaToy wrote:

The Comodo personal firewall is excellent.

It's a bit complicated for non technical people but I do agree it's an excellent free product.

PrenticeBoyofDerry · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 10:33 pm Post Subject:

kjacko wrote:

lets just confirm.....your pc i directly connected to your cable or adsl modem?
And neither are routers?

Yes no wireless connection straight hardwired the old fashion way, the problem is I've tryed to use PC tools but couldn't gain internet access, I'm not that techy, so when pop ups keep appearing asking me to allow or block certain application or files it freaks me. I do a Homer, eeny meeny miney moe

My partner does want a lap top for Christmas so don't know who that will effect things?

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kjacko · Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 7:19 am Post Subject:

Hi,
having NO wireless connection doesn't necessarily mean you DONT have a router, you may just have a non-wireless router.
Please confirm you only have one RJ-45 (network cable) connection coming out of your modem straight into your pc? There are no other sockets (except maybe usb) on the modem?
Make and model of modem would help to identify its capabilities too.

PrenticeBoyofDerry · Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 2:13 pm Post Subject:

I'm not at home right now, but off the top of my head.
The modem is directly connected to my PC no other network, I think there are 3 cables in the back a USB, a power source and something else. I'll check when I get home about 5-30-6-00pm

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TheOriginalTonkaToy · Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 2:52 pm Post Subject:

The best security is layered so, irrespective of whether the adsl device has a hardware firewall built in, a software firewall on each device that connects to the network is a good idea.

daozen · Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 3:53 pm Post Subject:

PrenticeBoyofDerry wrote:

... I've tryed to use PC tools but couldn't gain internet access, I'm not that techy, so when pop ups keep appearing asking me to allow or block certain application or files it freaks me.

Well if thats the case Comodo wont suit you and you should stick with windows firewall.

Quote:

My partner does want a lap top for Christmas so don't know who that will effect things?

Well you'll either need a wireless router or another cable to connect the laptop up to the internet (assuming your modem has room if not you'll still need a router).

PrenticeBoyofDerry · Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 5:47 pm Post Subject:

Wireless preferred for laptop, as intend to lock her away in a room at the back of the garage

Modem info:
scientific atlanta (webstar)
EPC2100 series
cable modem
date of manufacture 12/04
ports with cables are
12v power supply
USB
RF cable suppling signal

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daozen · Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 6:26 pm Post Subject:

You'll need a wireless router then. Which has the benefit of having a hardware firewall in it.

PrenticeBoyofDerry · Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2009 6:50 am Post Subject:

Wireless to my current set up or when Santa brings the Laptop.
I do remember when we first moved into the property about two years ago, wireless was recommended by the installer, but didn't seem to work so had a direct feed to PC installed.

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kjacko · Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2009 7:18 am Post Subject:

daozen wrote:

You'll need a wireless router then. Which has the benefit of having a hardware firewall in it.

This!

Plus, as you say prentice, wireless can be iffy if there are things that can block the sighnal. Howeverin most cases you should be ok.

I've used Linksys WRT54GS cable modem wireless router for 5 years now, as have a lot of others and they are very good. Recently replaced mine with a wireless 'draft N' Netgear.....and its nowhere near as good

You should be able to pick one up 2nd hand for about £20-£30.