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Resolved Do I need Windows Firewall?

Discussion in 'Security and Privacy' started by tquinn, 2008/03/24.

  1. 2008/03/24
    tquinn Contributing Member

    tquinn Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    I bring my ADSL internet connnection directly into a Linksys router, which has a built-in firewall of some type. From there I go to my other computers (both wired and wireless).

    I've run Gibson's Research "Shields Up" tests on this configuration, and it passes all tests with flying colors.

    Recently when I reinstalled Symantic Antivirus, I started to get a message from Windows XP on startup that I didn't have a firewall. I suspect that previously I might have had that turned on also. But is it really needed if the computer passes the Gibson tests without it turned on (I repeated the GR tests after I got this message)? It seems like it would just be another process to plug up performance.

    Terry
     
    tquinn,
    #1
  2. 2008/03/25
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    It is useful to have enabled IF you sometimes get malware that goes undetected, such as rootkits. The firewall will block OUTbound connections. Often trojans will attempt to download more malware and the windows firewall will block those connections and alert you. On the other hand, if you are Web and malware savvy, and don't get malware, then the windows firewall is something you don't need. The router only blocks INcoming connections.
     
    TonyT,
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  4. 2008/03/25
    tquinn Contributing Member

    tquinn Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Tony, since I don't want to deal with any of these problems, I'm inclinded to turn it on. Has anyone noted any significant problems with performance or anything else with a firewall running?

    Terry
     
    tquinn,
    #3
  5. 2008/04/05
    codyskulski

    codyskulski Inactive

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    i havent noticed any difference with windows firewall on or off.. except that stupid lil red shield in the bottom corner.. it really depends on what sites you are surfing and stuff you are downloading etc.. i use kaspersky and it seems to work alright... i still managed to get some hack bot garbage on msn.. but i can understand that..
     
    codyskulski,
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  6. 2008/04/07
    charlesvar

    charlesvar Inactive Alumni

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    Hello Terry,

    A point of clarification - XP's Firewall will not block outbound, for that you need something like Zone Alarm or other free/paid firewalls.
     
    charlesvar,
    #5

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