Firewalls

[oldguy]

Would you recommend a firewall?
I have a 56k phone modem & Symantec SystemWorks 2002 (which I keep updated). One son says I need a firewall, another son says I only need a firewall if I'm using broadband (DSL or cable modem).
I did a Symantec Security Check with the following indicating "at risk":
Network Vulnerability Scan; NetBIOS Availability Scan; Browser Privacy Scan. The following were indicated as "safe": Active Trojan Horse Scan; Antivirus Product Scan; Antivirus Definition Scan.
I am thinking of buying Norton Personal Firewall 2002 ($29.95 after $20 mail rebate) if it will help with a phone modem.
Your recommendation please.
Oldguy

[sterno]

A firewall is more important with broadband connections because your machine is always visible to the world, but it can be helpful on dial-up as well by blocking connection attempts by trojan horses, etc. that you might be infected with.

You can download ZoneAlarm for free (they also have a Pro version, but you probably don't need it). I'm not sure how it compares to Norton, but it's generally considered to be superior to most of the other personal firewall packages. Off the top of my head I don't remember their URL, but a web search should find it.

[oldguy]

Took your advice and downloaded ZoneAlarm -- thanks.
Oldguy

[devinemi83]

Heres a tip since you're on dial up, only turn it on when you are ready to go to the net. This will save you bootup time and system resources that the firewall will use.