Re: Need Mac and PC Firewall S/W

Ken wrote:
> Ken wrote:
>> Hi. I am finally entering the 21rst century by replacing my dial-up
>> Internet service with a DSL service. As a result, I now will want to
>> purchase firewall software. I'll need it for a PC and a Mac, as one of
>> each will be using the DSL network.
>>
> <snip>
>
>> Thanks for any suggestions! Feel free to point me to any useful FAQs
>> or product reviews!
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Ken
>
> Thanks for all the feedback! It's been very informative. Based on
> this, it sounds like my Westell Versalink 327W modem/router (with NAT,
> supplied by Verizon), Nortin Antivirus (not Internet Security), and
> Adaware freeware will suffice for my home usage. Please let me know if
> anyone recommends that I go beyond that.
>
> I have a follow-up question about Windows XP Home, but I'll post that
> on a new thread.
>
> - Ken

I think you should consider a software firewall. WinXP has one built in so make
sure it's turned on. If you have XP SP2 it's turned on by default but check.
Another is Zone Alarm (free version) It can stop software on your computer from
accessing the Internet. There is a lot of software on the typical computer that
wants to use the Internet to "phone home". With a software firewall you can
allow or dis-allow specific programs access to the Internet. And it's nice to
know which programs are doing that. Don't use 2 software firewalls however. If
you use Zone Alarm or NPFW turn OFF the WinXP firewall.
Software firewalls can complicate home network setups however. But when they're
setup properly you can still share folders between computers (recommend read
only) and share a printer.
Received on Thu Sep 29 19:58:23 2005