[Snake]

Was just in PC world and noticed some software called a firewall.

Do I need one?

[Hybr!d]

Are you connected to the Internet via a router?

A firewall is software that stops your computer being attacked via the Internet.

If you are connected to the net via a router than you don't really need one as you have one built into your router.

Dave.

[Snake]

Yeah i have a router, cheers for the advice, PC World guy nearly talked me into it, lucky I checked on here 1st.

Snake.

[Computer Spec]

I'm connected to the Internet via a modem, so I take it this is less secure? At the moment I'm only using windows fire wall, well that's all I've ever used actually. Is window fire wall strong enough to hold out hackers? My anti virus software (McAfee) says that windows fire wall is not strong enough, or is this just to get me to buy their fire wall?

[hardwaresam]

See generally I dont feel a firewall is that necessary. I agree that there are some hackers who do cause people problems but then if you dont indulge in commerce on internet then you dont need to worry.

As such I never had problems before but lately when I started visiting these online money making forums and sites then I found that hackers are more closely involved with these things. And why wouldnt they after all everyone likes to get money for free. So if they have the ability to take your password then why wouldnt they use it.

Anyways the simplest solution incase you realise your computer is hacked is to format your PC and its as good as new.

[Elite Techs]

I would say run a firewall anyway just to be cautious, as you dont want to even get to the stage were you get hacked and have to reformat..

As then you loose all your information and its just to much hassle.

[Hybr!d]

Always run a firewall!

To say your just a home user so wont get targeted is rubbish, these hackers run bots that scan for venerable computers, they don't care if you are home of multi million business.

My router gets dos attacked almost every 5 seconds all day everyday, as i have a hardware firewall built in they will never get access to me.

You only need a software fire wall if you don't have a router and as with any software it can be hacked fairly easily.

Dave.

[quinda]

I would say even if you have a router, its worth getting one of the free firewalls - routers stop people getting IN, but a software firewall can stop applications getting OUT too.

A software firewall will prompt when a program that hasn't accessed the internet tries to get out, so it is an extra layer of security above and beyond your virus checker to make sure that if you do get a virus / spyware infection, the damage it does will be limited to your local machine - it won't be able to 'call home' with any of your personal details, and it won't be able to use your machine to spread to others.

[Hybr!d]

Originally Posted by quinda

I would say even if you have a router, its worth getting one of the free firewalls - routers stop people getting IN, but a software firewall can stop applications getting OUT too.

That's a very good point, altho' if you have a well maintained PC with no spy-ware you shouldn't have to limit software getting out.

[CG Man]

On the News a guy set up a PC with no firewall or antivirus and installed some clever software to show whats been at it. After 15 mins it had over 20 viruses and hacking programes installed into it. If you don't want people to link to your computer and remove information like credit card numbers and delete files then get a firewall aswell as antivirus.

A while back a gang of russions hacked thousands of UK home computers and used them to log into a gamble site to slow their server to a hailt so they could demand money off the business owner. Normal computers in the UK are a big target for these kinds of hakers as we are always online and not alot of us are protected.