Question on Firewalls

[phillyman36]

Im rebuilding my computer. As far as viruses is thi ok

1) Install Xp
2) Install other drivers ie modem, video card sound card etc etc
3) My firewall i download free from mcafee can i go download the firewall and virus protection then install sp2 of windows.

Is this ok or an i at risk for getting viruses, trojans etc etc

If not what should i do ie what order.

What firewall do you all like

 

[mundane]

If you're behind a hardware firewall (most routers behave as one), you should be ok. Otherwise, it's be wise to have your security up before you connect to the 'net for update/software. You could accomplish this by downloading those files (SP2 or a firewall) and burning them to CD before you format and reinstall the OS.

I've personally been using Kerio Personal Firewall, Free (Limited) Edition.

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: diegoalcatraz
If you're behind a hardware firewall (most routers behave as one), you should be ok. Otherwise, it's be wise to have your security up before you connect to the 'net for update/software. You could accomplish this by downloading those files (SP2 or a firewall) and burning them to CD before you format and reinstall the OS.

I've personally been using Kerio Personal Firewall, Free (Limited) Edition.

That's great advice and there can be benefits to installing SP2 before your drivers, as well. If you can download the whole SP2 installer first, and save it on a CD, then go in this order:

1) unplug your network cable and leave it unplugged. Install Windows.

2) install SP2 and reboot, note that this is before installing motherboard drivers or video drivers. So yeah, the screen might look yucky during this phase.

3) install the motherboard chipset drivers and reboot

4) install the video drivers and reboot

5) install other drivers

6) optionally, install your third-party firewall and your antivirus software, and configure them

7) plug in your network cable, update your antivirus definitions, then enable Automatic Updates for Windows and visit Windows Update at http://update.microsoft.com



This way, you have at least the Windows Firewall enabled (due to SP2) and also most of the easily-exploited worm vulnerabilities patched (due to SP2).

 

[phillyman36]

Cool thanks alot i didnt know you could download sp2. I thought you had to get it thru the windows update. i dont have a network my dsl modem is connected directly to a usb port. ps do i flash the bios (if it needs to be flashed) before i install windows?

 

[mechBgon]

I dont have a network my dsl modem is connected directly to a usb port.

Ok, same difference, regard that USB cable as a source of swarms of worms, and don't plug in until you're running firewall software and preferably SP2 also. edit: btw, you might want to get yourself a router to bear the brunt of those attacks, instead of your PC.

ps do i flash the bios (if it needs to be flashed) before i install windows?

Does it need a BIOS flash? The usual reasons are to support a CPU that the mobo doesn't recognize properly, or fine-tuning memory compatibility issues, stuff like that. What hardware kit are you putting together there?

The BIOS could be flashed before installing Windows, or many newer motherboards can also be flashed from within Windows, using a utility that the mobo manufacturer makes for that task.

 

[phillyman36]

Hey Mech my new equipment is

Asrocks 939 dual sata
AMD Athlon 64x2-3800
old equipment im keeping is
2 gigs of corsair ram
a Seagate 250g sata drive
BFg 6800 agp card
soundbalster 2z

The mobo came x2 ready but there is a newer bios

 

[mechBgon]

In that case, yeah, you might as well update the BIOS before starting