# Firewalls

Category: Geeks r Us

## Post 1 by Leafs Fan (I'll have the last word, thank you!) on Thursday, 24-Feb-2005 8:35:47

Hey guys. So, what are your opinions regarding firewalls? In my computer under Windows XP, the firewall is defaulting to off. I haven't turned it on, but should I? I am running AVG Antivirus, which is updating almost daily to protect my machine. I am just wondering, because this is a new computer and I want to keep it in top shape for as long as possible!

## Post 2 by melodica (Account disabled) on Thursday, 24-Feb-2005 10:13:24

The Windows XP firewall sucks! If I catch you on MSN, I'll send you my personal favorite, Sygate Firewall. You have to get the older version since the newest version doesn't work at all. I tried Zone Alarm, but I like Sygate better. i have AVG and Norton and they work just fine with Sygate, and a jaws-using friend recommended Sygate, so I know it's accessible.

## Post 3 by Leafs Fan (I'll have the last word, thank you!) on Thursday, 24-Feb-2005 10:35:47

I know this is the stupidest of stupid questions, but what exactly do I need a firewall for if I am not navigating in questionable areas etc.? I know this is dumb, but I need to know! LOL

## Post 4 by fastfinge (I can't call it a day til I enter the zone BBS) on Thursday, 24-Feb-2005 15:54:54

Well, if you have a router, you don't. Also, newer DSL modems have a built in or "hardware" firewall. If yours has this (check your modem manual) you don't. However, if you don't have a hardware firewall, you will need a software one. Basicly, when ever you connect to your internet service provider, your provider gives you an IP (internet protocol) address. This address identifies your computer, and gives all the information (websites, what ever) that need to get to your machine a destination to specify. However, just like for example prank callers, hackers will try attacking thousands of random IP addresses in order to see if any computer currently has that address. If it does, then they can attack it. If not, they will move on to try another address. So, so long as you're connected to the net without a firewall, your in danger. I apolagise if that was too basic, I have no idea how familiar you are with computers.

## Post 5 by Leafs Fan (I'll have the last word, thank you!) on Friday, 25-Feb-2005 7:41:43

That was not basic, very good and easy to understand. I am quite familiar with computers themselves (JAWS functions etc.), but I have a lot to learn about security issues and connectivity. I do have a router, so chances are we,re safe. Thanks for the informative response.

## Post 6 by fastfinge (I can't call it a day til I enter the zone BBS) on Friday, 25-Feb-2005 9:39:55

Are you running a spyware checker? That's another thing to keep in mind.

## Post 7 by ¤§¤spike¤§¤ (This site is so "educational") on Tuesday, 15-Mar-2005 19:44:45

i use sygate, nice firewall and jaws friendly, i alsorun ad-aware, spybot s&d and a² free