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should i firewall my wireless laptop?
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Posted by: oderus1671
I recently set up my wireless network at home. I have a PC and laptop networked with a wireless router. I went to the Shields Up website and everything passed and is in "stealth mode" as far as my connection goes on the laptop. Only one thing failed, and that was the ping request test. It tells me that hackers could find my computer on the internet by pinging me. It suggests a firewall. My question is, should I run the Windows XP firewall on my wireless connection? I was told that my wireless router should act as a hardware firewall, so if I run a software firewall, will it screw things up?
Posted by: redwench
imho, the xp firewall is barely above useless. one of the free, or purchased, separate firewalls do a much better job. there is no problem with running both hardware and software firewalls, except youll have a bit more work configuring them both.
Posted by: C-Money
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Originally Posted by redwench
imho, the xp firewall is barely above useless.
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Yes, very flawed indeed.
Personally, I use Kerio. Haven't had any problems, and its easy enough to configure.
Posted by: oderus1671
If i run a software firewall, will it affect my web browsing, email, or any other web activity?
Posted by: INeedHelp
it might, as some firewall block certain ports, but you shouldn't have a major problem w/ it, i use sygate personal firewall (http://smb.sygate.com/download/download.php?pid=spf), it's free and it's great
if you have problem w/ firewall and certain program, refer back to us we'll try to help
Posted by: redwench
it will take some time to properly configure it for your usage, most likely. but once youre done, you shouldnt notice anything unless you install or change a program. firewalls run permissions on programs, rather than the ports that most routers do. although some firewalls and routers do both. they do complement each other nicely.
Posted by: Gunslinger
I personally prefer using the firewall and security features of my router as opposed to a local software firewall.
Posted by: sidefx52
i use zone alarm and it kicks butt.
Posted by: oderus1671
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Originally Posted by Gunslinger
I personally prefer using the firewall and security features of my router as opposed to a local software firewall.
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If I dig thru the settings in my router settings will it point me to the ping threat that showed up on the Shields Up website? Everything else is secure, just the ping thing worries me.
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