To Firewall or not to Firewall

[bojovan]

I’m running XP Pro and after having allot of problems being disconnected from my dialup connection I contacted my ISP for help. I was told, after several other failed attempts to solve the problem, to remove my Internet Connection Firewall. I did and the problem stopped. My question now is was the technician correct when he told me that I really didn’t need to have the protection turned on as long as I was running a good virus protection program. I enjoy not being disconnect now but I want to make sure that I was not ill advised.

[fink]

Configured correctly a firewall like Zonealarm or Kerio (both have free versions and are WAY better than xp's) won't cause any disconnect problems.

THey really are necessary these days since they provide a layer of protection that a/v's do not. Not only can they block unwanted probes and hits to your computer but also can block outbound data whether from spyware, or accidentaly opened worms or viruses that may have gotten past your a/v program...it happens.

(BTW, xp's firewall does not block outbound data, it's only half a firewall)

[jenae]

Hi, well it is disappointing to hear people being given that advice, get yourself a copy of Sygate free firewall(there are others also) asap. Without a firewall your system is available for access through port scans, where someone could take control of your system the damage could render your system unworkable. You would be surprised how often your firewall stops access to your system. Xp's firewall is not the best however it should not effect dial up connections, to the point you describe. I suspect you have already been infected run AV and spybot s&d asap.

Hi Fink I really must get back to Mavis B for typing lessons.I bet I started this post before you.

[fink]

"Mavis B"

LOL.. I'll give Miss Usher who taught typing class way back in ninth grade all the credit for my barely competent typing ability... that and my schoolboy crush on her which kept my mind from completely wandering out of the classroom.

[bojovan]

Originally posted by jenae
Hi, well it is disappointing to hear people being given that advice, get yourself a copy of Sygate free firewall(there are others also) asap. Without a firewall your system is available for access through port scans, where someone could take control of your system the damage could render your system unworkable. You would be surprised how often your firewall stops access to your system. Xp's firewall is not the best however it should not effect dial up connections, to the point you describe. I suspect you have already been infected run AV and spybot s&d asap.

Hi Fink I really must get back to Mavis B for typing lessons.I bet I started this post before you.

Disabling the firewall did stop my disconnect problem, wouldn't that prove that it had something to do with the problem? I am taking everyone's advice and will post back with the results.

[fink]

Yes it would prove it had something to do with it but as I said in my first post "Configured correctly a firewall like Zonealarm or Kerio..etc". The configured correctly applies to XP's firewall as well. Firewalls can block any data to and from your computer and sometimes may inadvertently block something that is necessary to stay on line or access websites properly. It can be a process of trial and error or looking at the firewalls logs to see if something is being blocked that should not be. As an example some ISP's may need to "ping" your computer to see if you're on line and the firewall may be blocking that.

Let us know what happens.

[bojovan]

I currently have Ad-aware 6. How would you rate this program versus Spybot and would the two programs conflict if I keep both
Also: How can I setup XP firewall to work for me and allow my connection not to be affected?

[fink]

Adaware is also highly rated around here and many users have both on their computer with no problems.

[104456]

Both are good tools and keeping both will do no harm.
As to a firewall unfortunately its a must these days unless you wish to become infected with a blaster variant quite quickly through an open port when you connect to the internet.

[bojovan]

Is it possible to setup XP firewall to work for me and allow my connection not to be affected when running certain programs

[SuperSparks]

Don't bother with the XP firewall, it's pretty pathetic. Apart from the already mentioned Kerio, these 2 are both free and excellent:

Outpost

Zone Alarm

Even better, if you don't mid spending some money is Norton Internet Security which combines a firewall & anti-virus program along with a number of other useful features.

[onegojoe]

I have a SpeedStream router/firewall made by Siemens. Isn't a hardware firewall better protection than a software firewall. I have DSL which means I am accessible to hackers 24/7.

[Alpalie]

A firewall is a must in today's world, if you cant afford a good commercial system like Norton Personal Firewall use Zone Alarm.

As for Adaware, good yes, but when was the last time anyone got an update??. at least you do with SpyBot and I have found running them both is no hassle.

[Ezduzit]

"As for Adaware, good yes, but when was the last time anyone got an update??. "

Quite recently actually:

Reference file 01R224 06.10.2003

[Alpalie]

Thats interesting, I am using Adaware ver 6 and the last update I got was ....OR150 05.07.2003.

When I click on the Update button I get the message " No updated components available"

OK, OK !, I see I have to install build 1.81 to get this update.

I've done that and its all systems GO.

Thanks ezduzit,