SLUniverse Forums

Brave Republic · 09-26-2008, 03:08 PM

Some of you may have read of my Stop error messages on Windows caused by Norton-Symantec 360. I have decided that I have had it with them after years of use and minor annoyances and problems and on top of it the recent events.

So after I remove norton (using removal tool) I plan to use avast or avg anti virus. Windows xp has it's own decent firewall but may leave me exposed to port attacks from what I hear.

I was thinking of getting zone alarm but hear they are no longer that good. Any ideas for free firewalls or cheap firewalls that dont cause windows issues etc?

Thanks,

Brave

Kristian · 09-26-2008, 03:10 PM

buy a router.

Brave Republic · 09-26-2008, 03:25 PM

Hi Kristian. We have a wireless router for laptops etc. My main comp is hard wired to this and the rest pick up connection via wifi.

Is this the same thing (ie you dont mean all hard wired?) I had read they often have a firewall that acts as a first defense. Since I havent got a clue where the manual is etc, how do I check to see if I have a firewall etc for this?

Kristian · 09-26-2008, 03:37 PM

Routers are configured to act as a fire wall by default because you need to explicitly open inbound ports via the configuration.

Test your open ports here:

https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2

The only benefit that a software firewall will really give you beyond that is asking if you'd like to allow outbound connections from new programs.

Brave Republic · 09-28-2008, 07:46 PM

Kristian :

Thanks. I passed with flying colors! This is a great page and tool.

Brave

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

09-26-2008, 03:10 PM	#2 (permalink)
Kristian stored in the cloud busy, busy, busy Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 4,537 SL Join Date: 2/26/2005 My Mood:	buy a router.

09-26-2008, 03:25 PM	#3 (permalink)
Brave Republic Shock and Awe vestibular suppressant Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: PA Posts: 1,142 SL Join Date: 10/25/2007 My Mood:	Hi Kristian. We have a wireless router for laptops etc. My main comp is hard wired to this and the rest pick up connection via wifi. Is this the same thing (ie you dont mean all hard wired?) I had read they often have a firewall that acts as a first defense. Since I havent got a clue where the manual is etc, how do I check to see if I have a firewall etc for this?

09-26-2008, 03:37 PM	#4 (permalink)
Kristian stored in the cloud busy, busy, busy Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 4,537 SL Join Date: 2/26/2005 My Mood:	Routers are configured to act as a fire wall by default because you need to explicitly open inbound ports via the configuration. Test your open ports here: https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2 The only benefit that a software firewall will really give you beyond that is asking if you'd like to allow outbound connections from new programs.

09-28-2008, 07:46 PM	#5 (permalink)
Brave Republic Shock and Awe vestibular suppressant Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: PA Posts: 1,142 SL Join Date: 10/25/2007 My Mood:	Kristian : Thanks. I passed with flying colors! This is a great page and tool. Brave