Firewall recommendations

[Private_Sars]

I need some good security. Recently someone told me Mcaffe and Norton were not very reliable. Any suggestions?

[gitreel]

Get a router. They have network address translation which keeps your computer reasonably safe.

[redwudz]

If you have cable or DSL, definately go with a router/switch as gitreel suggested. If you have dialup, then a software firewall will help. Antivirus programs don't work well against trojans or worms. I use a hardware router/switch, along with Norton antivirus and Spybot S&D for cookies, etc. You also have to use good sense in opening suspicious email attachments, be careful on strange websites, and don't open anything if you don't know where it's from. (Sounds like the anti VD ads from the 60's ) Backup your important files off system. Worst that can happen if you are prepared is you have to reinstall the OS.
EDIT: And as much as I hate to say it, check with Microsoft for the 10,000 latest fixes to their OS's security holes.

[Private_Sars]

Thanks for the help......what if im connected to a network within a house? They are using a router, but the settings are set poorly. Am I able to connect my own personal router onto the network so it will only effect my computer?

[redwudz]

In that case, if you have no control over the router, you can and should use something like ZoneAlarm to give you some protection. As I stated, you need a good antivirus program, and something like Spybot S&D (Free, just make sure to get the updates) to protect yourself.
EDIT: Reading you post again, I believe you could still have a router with NAT (address translation) on your lan, but that is way beyond me how you could set that up to be useable. I would go with the software firewall first.

[Faustus]

If your serious about firewalls it depends on how much you want to spend.

Under $100 to about $150 a good Router should have one that will work.

However if your SERIOUS I suggest a 10 licence Sonic wall, it will do the work of a REAL firewall as well as a router, one will run you about $300, and they have TONS of neat features such as emailing you to warn of attacks or suspicious activity.

[Private_Sars]

Again, thanks for your help everyone

[stiltman]

If your serious about firewalls it depends on how much you want to spend.

Under $100 to about $150 a good Router should have one that will work.

However if your SERIOUS I suggest a 10 licence Sonic wall, it will do the work of a REAL firewall as well as a router, one will run you about $300, and they have TONS of neat features such as emailing you to warn of attacks or suspicious activity.

serious, real and sonic in the same sentence

Now if you are serious, get CheckPoint Firewall-1 or Cisco PIX

I suggest Firewall-1 running on a Nokia box