How secure is hardware & software firewalls?

[Nitemare]

Going to be getting a cable modem soon and I'm going to be running 2 machines off from it with probably a netgen router. I already have Norton Internet Security 2002 on my machines and will use them as well. I'm also planning on turning off file sharing on the second machine for extra security..

Is this fairly safe?

If you can think of something better that doesn't cost that much more I'd like to hear it. Thanks

 

[RossMAN]

Just bought this for $79 after $10 rebate from Fry's (Best Buy, OfficeMax and others had it also).

 

[pulse8]

I have that Linksys here at work and have not been impressed at all.

I have a Netgear RT314 at home and I've been much happier with it.

Just my personal experiences.

 

[cipher00]

Fairly. But nothing is guaranteed.

 

[jpsj82]

<< Fairly. But nothing is guaranteed. >>

When talking about security remember nothing is perfect. Chances are if you bought what has been said in posts above you should be fine from most everything. Now if you are trying to hide from someone like the NSA I would invest a little more money into your equipment, but you should be fine.

 

[Nitemare]

<< I have that Linksys here at work and have not been impressed at all.

I have a Netgear RT314 at home and I've been much happier with it.

Just my personal experiences. >>



Why haven't you been that impressed with it? any bad experiences?

Also, how is Norton Internet security in comparison to zone alarm or black ice?

 

[JackMDS]

The combo of a Router Hardware Firewall, and good Firewall software package is the most reasonable protection a Regular user can get.

You can use NetBEUI (it is a non-routable protocol) for local Network Traffic and bind File Sharing only to NetBEUI. In addition you can put your sensitive material on a separate drive, and not share this drive at all.

If you are specifically Target by a real pro there is nothing you can do any way. But the above will protect you from casual malice.

However, if you are involved in online gaming, and use software that needs special port opening, you should get a Router that is most flexible for your purposes. There are differences between Routers in relation to the amount, and ranges of port that they can control.

Comparing Cable/DSL Routers. (Link of Courtesy of: TallGeese ).