ADSL Router/Modem Firewall

[borgkling2003]

Is the inbuilt firewall feature of a Router/modem any good? Are they reliable? or do I have to install a software based firewall. eg.NORTONS

 

[jimbopalmer]

Every consumer based Router I have used features at least NAT (Network Address Translation) which makes it hard to find the PCs behind it. Better consumer routers also have SPI (Stateful Packet Inspection) which makes sure all 'conversations' are started from with in your network, never from the internet.

What a software firewall can add to this, that cannot be done in hardware, is to notify you WHICH programs on your PC are trying to 'phone home' (I was amazed to find that my keyboard driver contacted the vendor each time) If you are fighting an infection, it is very handy to know what apps are infected. I only use software firewalls as a diagnostic, but it is handy.

I tried to remain child-like, all I acheived was childish.

 

[borgkling2003]

Thanks.

Do you have any recommendation of a user friendly software based firewall....besides NORTON which I find hard to use.

 

[mattjurado]

Most people seem to like zone alarm.

Matt J.

Please always take the time to backup any and all data before performing any actions suggested for ANY problem, regardless of how minor a change it might seem. Also test the backup to make sure it is intact.

 

[bluegroper]

IpCop is excellent software firewall.