Firewall!

[Shadoxity]

well i havnt had a firewall up for some time, mainly because every firewall i have tried is dodgy with a network i.e. other PC's cant access mine.

neway is it really necesary? setup is

server pc with ISDN modem -> switch -> rest of pc's

all PC's have virus protection

[muttster]

Sifnt grab a hardware firewall. They never seem to give any problems associated with software firewalls

[ViLLaN]

Its a very good idea, if your on any kind of broadband connection its pretty much a must.

I have both firewalls and intrusion detection setup on my connection, and you dont want to see the amount of attacks that I log.

[Shadoxity]

well i would get a hardware firewall if TELSTRA would UPGRADE my RIM like they SAID THEY WOULD on DECEMBER THE 18TH 2004, yet it STILL hasnt HAPPENED... :(

but aside from that untill they bloody upgrade, do i need a software one or what? because each time i have used one it always blocks the other ppl on the lan out of my PC

[Sevendust]

Hardware firewall is more powerful, but software firewall can prevent programs (including worms) from spreading via the net. Also stops IE from using the net and getting spyware.

[ViLLaN]

Ahh.. Hardware firewalls are basically minature computers with firewall software on them.. They arent anything special.

The differentiation is not between hardware and software firewalls (because really, they are all software), but between host and gateway based firewalls..

My suggestions would be based on your level of competence with computers.. If you are not all that interested in the firewall side of things.. Install Zonealarm or something similar.. Properly configured you wont ever have a problem with it.

If your interested in firewalls / security, install linux on an old bomb of a machine, and set it up as a gateway box for your internet connection. There is nothing that you cant do with an old box running linux that a "hardware firewall' can do. You'll learn about linux, networking, security and administration.. All good things ;P

Also, feel free to ask any specific security related questions, there are a couple of us in the forums that either have a great interest in security, or do it as a job :P

[_conrad]

SMOOTHWALL

..gg

[ViLLaN]

Smoothwall, ipcop, clark connect, there are alot of these pre-setup systems. They work well, but you wont learn alot from using them.

[PHOENIX_12]

i've been shopping around with firewalls lately, if u want a user friendly firewall just get zonealarm, ViLLaN's right, if u configure it right u can prety much just forget it's there and it dose stop a hell of a lot of attacks.

[ViLLaN]

I believe in the latest APC, there is a review of some firewall products, might be worth checking out.

[muttster]

Im using Kerio atm. Had no problems with it so far. Zonealarm is ok, but not very powerfull.

[ViLLaN]

What features does ZoneAlarm lack that Kerio has? Im interested for myself, and Im sure it would be beneficial to the thread starter.

[Shadoxity]

hey trying sygate personal firewall atm...

i would be interested on running linux, except the fact that i have no idea how to use linux would be a problem, and also would it be a simple click on an icon to connect and disconnect from the net? because my parents and ppl would have to connect and disconnect at times, and i wont doit if i have to explain a whole routine to them!

thanx

[AlCaTrAzz]

IMHO kerio allows alot more customisation than Zonealarm... i feel n00bed when using zonealarm or even norton internet security for that matter... i like being able to look at 1 screen and see every connection, what ports it's utilising etc. etc.

[ViLLaN]

In NIS, thats the advanced statistics screen.. Shows you all that.. On one screen :P

[AlCaTrAzz]

hmm probably should look more into it before badmouthing it hey? ;)

nah, i've just always loved kerio... and if it aint broken...

[ViLLaN]

.. Your not trying hard enough :P heh

[AlCaTrAzz]

your not trying hard enough


haha, thats what the dedicated firewall/DHCP box is for ;)

[RavenKittie]

I like Black Ice Server Protection, it's worth buying.

[PHOENIX_12]

why buy when u can get perfectly decent firewalls for free?

[ViLLaN]

From memory, that product is about $300+ .. Its not the same league as your run of the mill free Zonealarm firewall.

That being said.. You could do it all for free on a linux box.. Iptables, clamav, snort..

[General Fuct]

I got PC Cillin 2005 internet pack its about $99 but I found it for around $66.

It has anti-virus and firewall and all that other stuff ad-blocking, spyware removal and it updates almost everyday.

[Kaygo]

Originally posted by General Fuct@Jan 25 2005, 12:23 PM
I got PC Cillin 2005 internet pack its about $99 but I found it for around $66.

It has anti-virus and firewall and all that other stuff ad-blocking, spyware removal and it updates almost everyday.
69088


And if you need support on it, the phone number is 1800 305 289. I am so sick of people rinning up the trendmicro helpdesk about this product, we dont even support it!! :P

[Mlloyd60]

I hate Zone alarm, it is a pain in the - when you change networks or something

Sygate is good

[Duckslayer]

Symantec All the Way!!!

[ViLLaN]

Smart - :P

I vote IPtables and clamav :P

[neo_kre8or]

IPTABLES

& if a complete noob with Linux then install webmin and it can be configured from there :)

Otherwise all text-based editing :)

[BR3TT]

I just use my fists

[osic]

For the first 1 1/2 months with ADSL I didnt "think" I needed a firewall.



a virus scan got to 3000 infected files before I restarted in DOS and types those magic all fixing words
C:/ format c:

I now hae NIS 2005 and it seems to be great. No I must be off configuring it so IE gets blocked, I wonder if I can do that and still have MSN.....

EDIT: just tried to block IE and it froze and killed NIS, ;)

[Brainless]

Cisco Routers will fix the problem every time
aint you getting a cisco soon vill

[ViLLaN]

Yeah, Im looking at an 837.. Ive played with an 829 as well, Im a fan :)

Theres an 837 on OCAU for $475 starting bid.