Home networking

[frenchie29]

The firewall is for my internet, but the free version of ZA doesn't offer custom routing. Either the firewall is ON or OFF I will try Comodo Firewall and see.

[screwballl]

In my case, I still see around 100-200 attempts daily come through my NAT firewall even though it has stealthed ports. Most of the time it is using port 80 so the router sees it as a browser connection but then try to get to an alternative port within my LAN.
I also keep my main system in the DMZ for a few games that do not work right online, and there are thousands per day on that firewall log..

Yes smoothwall works fine for a normal household or small business without gaming... but it ends up causing entirely too much lag with online gaming like COD4, CS:S and SOSE. Otherwise I do love Smoothwall myself, just not with gaming.

[Boy'nBlack]

Originally Posted by Hitman

Honestly unless you're a over paranoid the Router Firewall and windows firewall is more then enough. I would only use Zonealarm on a computer that was connected directly to the internet, not behind a router, or on an open network, like a campus network, or an open wifi connection (Internet Cafe, Hotel or Airport).

Agreed. Just stated it elsewhere, but you only want one. If windows still has locks on the connections sections, zone alarm is working, the router, and basically the cable modem...that's 4.

Haven't needed zone alarm in a long time. It just sits there hampering me now. And windows loves to re-enable it's little locks. When they do that, I start getting basic ping requests...nothing to be alarmed about. I know I'm a network dummy, but that part I know means nothing. You're always pinged, and that includes your own equipment.

But if you chose to use software, disable the better hardware. You only want one good firewall, not more than that at all. The more you have, the more open you are. I could show you if we were in another forum. Again, I'm a dummy...but can still use old knowledge to walk on in multiple firewalls. Not control, as that's dead with me. However with WinXP still out there, basic DOS commands still available, and assorted other basic trips...you can at least say "Hi" or print something cheerful up if you see a printer.

[frenchie29]

I only use one software firewall firewall. Running Comodo right now on one desktop and so far so good, at least it recognize a private network.

[Hitman]

Originally Posted by screwballl

Yes smoothwall works fine for a normal household or small business without gaming... but it ends up causing entirely too much lag with online gaming like COD4, CS:S and SOSE. Otherwise I do love Smoothwall myself, just not with gaming.

I was just saying if you're a security freak, then smoothwall is the best way to go on the cheap. I personally hate firewalls, but they are a necessary evil. IMO they are like condoms, they suck, but unless you want something nasty you better use it.

[frenchie29]

Dumb question. But I just notice that my modem has a firewall ( I got that modem a few weeks ago and haven't had time to look at it). Should I activate it?

[Hitman]

Dude how many firewalls do you need?

[frenchie29]

I'm just asking. Which one is better? All I am running right now is Comodo

[Hitman]

Hardware Firewall is always better.

[Boy'nBlack]

The modem (a basic router) can be left at default. It's either one way (in) or off. A router should have 2-way and the only thing you need.