ICS firewall Question

[The Green Bean]

there are 9 computers on my home network. One of them hosts a internet cable connection. My question is that do all computers need a firewall or only the one with the cable modem? I am connectd through a normal simple switch with no routers involved using windows ICS.

Another Question.
Since im using NAV, is norton firewall a good idea. ZoneAlarm is giving me problems and I dont want to use it. Will it slow down the speed of the internet?

hatim

 

[JackMDS]

ICS is Internet Connection Sharing software i.e. does the Networking Address Translation for you Network (NAT).

The basic Firewall that comes with WindowsXP is called ICF.

As much as Windows is Network accommodating OS. ICS can work fine for a while however if you will make changes in your Network you might start to experience difficulties in the future it really did not meant as a solution permanent solution for 9 computers.

I would suggest that you will make an effort spend $10-20 and buy a Cable/SL Router plus your current switch to accommodate your system it will run smoother and probably faster using Hardware NAT.

Example: <a target=new class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0151876]/L]

More direct answers to your Firewall questions you can find here.

Link to: [L=Basic Protection for Broadband Internet Installation.]http://www.ezlan.net/firewall.html">4 Port Cable/DSL Gateway Router. ($9.99 after reabte)</a>

Link to: What is the Best Firewall?

Basic info about Internet Sharing here:

Link to: AnandTech - FAQ. Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing

Link to: AnandTech - FAQ. Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...?

Ignore the prices in the links above. The same or similar hardware can be found for 60%-90% less.

 

[The Green Bean]

thnx...