Firewall question...

[beavereater]

I am connected to the Internet through a router, and the router has a "built in firewall" amongst other things to proctect me from intruders, son and so forth...anyway, if I have this, does that mean I don't really need software firewall??

I ask because until recently, I never had a problem. Then I switch from ADSL to cable, moved to a new apartment, and just plug my PC directly into the modem, getting wicked speeds, but all sorts of garbage popping up.

[vioxx]

Turn off all firewall and see what happen then!

[makntraks]

I am connected to the Internet through a router, and the router has a "built in firewall" amongst other things to proctect me from intruders, son and so forth...anyway, if I have this, does that mean I don't really need software firewall??

I ask because until recently, I never had a problem. Then I switch from ADSL to cable, moved to a new apartment, and just plug my PC directly into the modem, getting wicked speeds, but all sorts of garbage popping up.

If you have a router you should not need anything else unless you're just wanted the be over the top secure... as for pop ups, I don't get'em at all and I am sitting behind a router with nothing else in between... can't comment much more as my setup is as basic as it can be...
My only other suggestion is to stay away from the pr0n sites.....

makntraks

[HillJack]

I am connected to the Internet through a router, and the router has a "built in firewall" amongst other things to proctect me from intruders, son and so forth...anyway, if I have this, does that mean I don't really need software firewall??

If you are behind a router, and your computer's IP address is a local address (like 192.168.0.x) then you are somewhat safe from outside connection attempts because of the nature of NAT.

Imo, you should still run a software firewall, 1) just to be safe, since it IS possible to alter TCP packet headers to penetrate NAT-based "firewalls" (though really freakin difficualt nowadays), and 2) to keep tabs on outgoing connections from your system -- ie: spyware, programs that "phone-home" etc...

I ask because until recently, I never had a problem. Then I switch from ADSL to cable, moved to a new apartment, and just plug my PC directly into the modem, getting wicked speeds, but all sorts of garbage popping up.

I'd go back behind the router if I was you

[Jayhawk]

I am connected to the Internet through a router, and the router has a "built in firewall" amongst other things to proctect me from intruders, son and so forth...anyway, if I have this, does that mean I don't really need software firewall??

I have a cable modem and although I can plug directly into it, I wouldn't think of it. A router is the preferred way to go because hardware-based firewalls are usually faster and safer than software-based firewalls. Some people use both which is overkill for me but I have heard software firewalls are easier to re-configure (if you're a gamer).

If you have a router, use it. If you don't, make sure you use a software firewall. You should not need both.

[Solarjetman]

What it really boils down to is how secure you want to be. Having a router covers all your basics and it is not "required" to have more.

The router will block almost all incoming traffic (things like the blaster worm, messenger popups, and script kiddie nukes). However, you are not protected agianst outgoing traffic that is trying to "phone home" (like spyware, trojans, etc..)

If you never open attachments, don't download lots of freeware, and are act generally closed from the outside world, you are fine. But if anything happens to get through, without a software firewall you would not know about it.

[rallynavvie]

Yeah, use the "DMZ" option on most routers and open up a computer to the real internet sometime. Make sure that PC is expendable

Most routers with built-in firewalls these days are really intuitive. They have easy directions to set things up. I've been thoroughly amazed with my D-Link wireless router. Disable DHCP and assign IPs to MAC addresses of each computer on your network and you can enable port forwarding to specific computers for games, P2P networks, and other apps that require open ports. Most other ports are closed to outside traffic unless requested by a program on your PC so no random exploitable ports.

After getting my router and my RH9 box set up for firewalling I don't think I'd ever waste my time with a software firewall. Those tend to be pretty instrusive and use up another chunk of system resources. If you set up your router properly it'll be a lot better than a software firewall.