XP Pro software firewall..Is it worth anything?

[ECUHITMAN]

I have XP Pro and would like to know if XP's firewall actually works. I connected on a small home network where two computers are sharing the same internet connection using a router. What kind of security concerns should I have? Neither computer on the network has a "formal" firewall (i.e. zone alarm) just the one contained in XP.

Thanks!

 

[JackMDS]

It belongs to the category "Better than Nothing"

Does not control any info going out.

Very Basic Control on what is coming in.

More here: Basic Protection for Broadband Internet Installation.

 

[ECUHITMAN]

Thanks for the info. The only other question is, according to that info you gave me it says that most routers block access attempts if they are not directed to a specific computer, do all routers do this or is this something that only high dollar routers do?

What I have is a Linksys 4 Port cable router. It is configurable to some extent, but most of what I am looking at might as well be in another language because I am completely new to anything dealing with networking.

 

[mboy]

SOHO routers (cheap home ones) work on NAT, network address translation. This is what seperates all your LAN computers with IP's that are not routable on the internet. This is what gives you the basic inbound protection/sepration of LAN and WAN (your public IP which the router takes over). I wouldnt bother with the XP firewall if using a router. Better to get one of the free software firewalls like ZA or kerio that will show you what is trying to get out of your machine (as well as what is trying to get in). I am not a big fan of software firewalls that sit on top of the OS, but it is better then nothing and better then the XP built in jobber!

 

[TheCorm]

I would say that if you are using a dial up or ISDN connection then it's worth something but for ADSL and other broadband connections it would better to have either a SOHO router or something like Zone Alarm as mentioned.

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: mboy
SOHO routers (cheap home ones) work on NAT, network address translation.

Imagine that is a Car BBS and every time someone is talking about a need to use is car to take the kids to school, or going to the mall, the answer is: Yeah, but a Car is not a Bulldozer.

The Entry level Network hardware is one of the most important hardware in the last few years. Given their simplicity, and price it is the major key to the explosion of Home networks.

 

[mboy]

Originally posted by: JackMDS

Originally posted by: mboy
SOHO routers (cheap home ones) work on NAT, network address translation.

Imagine that is a Car BBS and every time someone is talking about a need to use is car to take the kids to school, or going to the mall, the answer is: Yeah, but a Car is not a Bulldozer.

The Entry level Network hardware is one of the most important hardware in the last few years. Given their simplicity, and price it is the major key to the explosion of Home networks.

I remember the bulldozer/car thread, but u got me lost on this one jackmds

 

[skyking]

Originally posted by: mboy

Originally posted by: JackMDS

Originally posted by: mboy
SOHO routers (cheap home ones) work on NAT, network address translation.

Imagine that is a Car BBS and every time someone is talking about a need to use is car to take the kids to school, or going to the mall, the answer is: Yeah, but a Car is not a Bulldozer.

The Entry level Network hardware is one of the most important hardware in the last few years. Given their simplicity, and price it is the major key to the explosion of Home networks.

I remember the bulldozer/car thread, but u got me lost on this one jackmds

I think it something to do with the car needing a fiber connection for the tail lights, but the bulldozer does not have any tail lights.....

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: skyking

Originally posted by: mboy

Originally posted by: JackMDS

Originally posted by: mboy
SOHO routers (cheap home ones) work on NAT, network address translation.

Imagine that is a Car BBS and every time someone is talking about a need to use is car to take the kids to school, or going to the mall, the answer is: Yeah, but a Car is not a Bulldozer.

The Entry level Network hardware is one of the most important hardware in the last few years. Given their simplicity, and price it is the major key to the explosion of Home networks.

I remember the bulldozer/car thread, but u got me lost on this one jackmds

I think it something to do with the car needing a fiber connection for the tail lights, but the bulldozer does not have any tail lights.....

:Q:brokenheart:
Well it actually has to do with Childhood trauma, dreaming about Bulldozers

 

[Santa]

But racing bulldozers are fun