What Firewall brand do you use?

[ImaginAsian]

Crazy Evil is all over the net. So what brand of firewall do you trust your computer with?

I used to use a Linksys BEFSR41 router and have recently switched over to Netgear's ProSafe Series. A much better and more secure firewall with a better Web Admin interface. For example, the SPI firewall examines the packets rather than just hiding your IP address like most NAT only routers.

Im sold on the Netgear...and ShieldsUp gave me an all-pass right out of the box whereas the Linksys had two ports closed in non-stealth mode by default!

It pays to spend a little more on your firewall then the lower end models - I recommend the Netgear FR114P. It is housed in a metal box unlike the cheap plastics with most other routers.

I don't trust software firewalls because software is always prone to viruses or similar breaches.

[Alakazam]

Right now I only have ZA running, whenever I get my butt in gear and finish building my other rig I'll probably be going with a wireless router so I've got some research to do when that happens. I like the idea of knowing what's trying to get out of my system to the internet by using ZA so even when I set up my router I will probably use it. On my Linux OS, I just have Shorewall running for the heck of it, never had a problem there yet either.

[TheHeretic]

LInksys as the first step. Cisco 2620 as the 2nd. dunno why I never dropped the Linksys after getting the Cisco but thems the marbles I chose to play with.

knock on wood I havent had any serious hack attempts or major viral problems. I get some of the usual pop up ones and a few of the spyware crap come in from less than reputable sites but weekly cleanings via Bazooka keeps em in check.


TheHeretic

[Grogan]

I have a dlink router, but I wouldn't consider it any more (or less) secure than others. The security is just the nature of NAT, which is good enough to foil most everything. Sure... it's possible to fool NAT into letting packets through, but that's not something just anyone can do and the odds are even lower that someone could actually establish two way communications and do something useful or harmful.

One thing I would not use, are complex application filters like Zone Alarm or Norton Internet Silliness. That causes much aggravation. If I had to use software, simple port filtering would suffice for me. (I wouldn't get my system infected with trojans in the first place to have to worry about outgoing communications)

I'm going to hate it when Windows XP Service Pack 2 is the norm, and people are having problems because of misconfiguration of the new application filter firewall. Those people will perceive the cure to be worse than the disease.

[BobGuy]

"I like to surf dangerously (none)" thats my choice in this poll, I have not used a firewall since zone alarm back in 2000.

There is a difference between surfin dangerously, and none, using windows connected to the internet without a firewall is a bad idea these days, but I'm very safe now that I don't use windows anymore, I do however keep up with the security updates, and have backups of my important data.

So the short answer is that I don't really need a firewall, and have not used a firewall since 2001, even tho there are a number of them available for my use.

Some day I'll get one of those fancy dancy routers, then I'll have a firewall by default, until then... carry on BBF'ers. :D

[M.i.S. Nemesis]

I am using Symantec Personal Firewall. Hahahaaa

[TJM4FUN]

I agree with grogan.
My linksys is fine. Shieldsup reports the open ports I have,
but not all of them. I have ports open and linked to a specific machine, a necessity for the ftp server and my proxy server I run
on that box.
Been that way for almost 2 years now, and no hacks have succeded in entering.

Spyware is another story, but nothing will stop that from entering the lan.

Only purpose I've ever seen for a personal type firewall is to disallow some application from attempting to contact the mfg without your knowledge. As far as protection, after installing the linksys, my ZA logs were empty, so I removed ZA and haven;t looked back.

[floppybootstomp]

Linskys BEFSR41, no software. Prior to that just a network hub, no hardware firewall, was using Win XP's Firewall then, but not now.

Haven't been hit (touch wood) with anything yet. Daughter, however, was forever being hit with spyware, adware & Trojans. Since installing Spyware Blaster and turning on all options though, she hasn't had a one. All I find on her machine each day now are a few cookies to clean out that Spybot & AdAware take care of.

[tim]

SMC Barricade 7004 4-port Switch/Router AND ZoneAlarm on each machine to lock down outgoing apps.

Had the SMC7004 for a few years now, very reliable and easy to use. Does does it's job without any fuss.

[phicks]

a dlink router no software and so far no problems :) Tried Shields up and never showed up any problems there either.

[Tuffies Son]

I was all set too post a thread about a "friend" of mine and his latest foray into some uncharted waters regarding firewall probs, but this thread is better and far more informative than the post I would have written. Firstly, OK...it was me, I had a sudden power failure and was impatient for a fix, because I was right in the middle of some things, and wanted to get back to them ASAP. I use a linksys D-link router, 3 PCs (all XP op sys), and AVG (though I have Norton as well, but have reverted to AVG because Norton doesn't seem to be as TS friendly as I'd like.
After the power came back on, I rebooted all immediately, and was eager to get what I had been doing, done, and move on. I got some error regarding internet settings, cussed a bit, then a brain cramp came over me. Instead of being patient, using the up-to-three-reboot-self-detect/reset method for AVG, I wrongly assumed that I could open some folders, tell it what I wanted it to do, and speed-up the process considerably. Yes, I intercoursed it all up, and now must rename my internet log folder to regain net access, and (I'm sure) go through about a 9 round volley with AVG, trying to prevent the Joe-Jeezley "Trial AVG Pro" installation, that I don't want (do I?).
In any case, after reading this thread, I realize that there are so many potentially good options out there, that what I really need is advice (and a little more patience) to figure out the best protection option(s) for my situation. Does anyone have any suggestions for good, but cheap/free remedies and/or other types of protection options?:?:

[whipat]

Some day I'll get one of those fancy dancy routers,

:) that's it..

[Troy]

Outpost

[ImaginAsian]

with basic hardware firewalls at rock bottom prices (using NAT security), i fail to see why anybody would still choose a software firewall unless the hardware router doesn't allow you to block specific sites or keywords. most routers nowadays do though.

hardware is the way to go in my opinion...and while NAT may suffice for most, adding SPI protection is well worth the slight premium i paid for the Netgear...among its other features ($60).

[easy-e]

Firewall? Whatsoneofthem?

[Thesittingduck2]

Smoothwall runing on an old Celeron 400 mHz....

Never had a single problem since start up, recomended.

[JohnnyBra]

Well, I was using LinkSys BESF41... but now that i'm back to dial-up, just the built in WinXP (only connected for 20 mins a day while wife checks e-mail)

Here @ work, it's a Cisco baby ;)

[Pilgrim]

I'm using Outpost Firewall Pro (http://www.agnitum.com) and wouldn't consider anything else. When I was on Cable, I used a Linksys router (Linksys BESF41) and ZoneAlarm, but ZA raised havoc with my XP system unless I disabled all the extras. After I moved to a place where the only broadband available was Satellite, I switched to Outpost Firewall Pro and never looked back.

[GreyFalcon]

Netgear FVS318 Pro Safe VPN router, and ZA Pro. The 318 is way ahead of the Linksys BFSR41 that I had previously.

[GreyFalcon]

Sorry, that was a BEFSX41

[Zema Bus]

Originally posted by Thesittingduck2
Smoothwall runing on an old Celeron 400 mHz....

Never had a single problem since start up, recomended.

Same here - Smoothwall all the way. I had a Gigafast router running for awhile, until it died, so I went back to Smoothwall. Atleast if something goes wrong with the Smoothwall machine I can fix it.

For a good ZoneAlarm alternative, Sygate makes a pretty good, bloat-free software firewall. I tested it recently and like it better than ZA. It also seems much less invasive than ZA & it does load a lot faster.

[curious]

I guess as always with me, I noticed this poll a bit late but here is my 2cts worth.
I've been using Sygate for the last one year with narry a problem, and quite happy with it.

[Hochie]

Am using a Linksys BEFSR41 router along with Sygate Professional for well over 2 years and have never had a problem....also have the usual "OTHER PROTECTIVE" programs running as well...

[moonuser]

I start off with a cisco router then I use Sysinternals TCPView to monitor all TCP and UDP (realtime), Along with AnalogX's NetStat Live TDS-3 as a trojan scanner...
I use FileChecker as a watcher as well as a registry protector like RegistryProt.
For browser security, I'm currently experimenting with Naviscope an internal proxy (also freeware) intergrated with spyblocker PAC files..

AVG for virus with VisualZone Report Utility along with WormGuard, Spyblocker...Ad-Aware, LADS (List Alternative Data Streams (for NTFS) and Snort for ID (IntruderDetection).......

hummmmm, i think i have something else but don't hav time to ck now!!!!:beer:

[Case]

I've used Smoothwall on a P-233 with a Linksys switch for the last few years on my network (dial-up), never had a virus. Just replaced the Smoothwall box and Linksys switch with a Linksys BEFSR41 router last night, as I now have DSL . . .

On a side note my wifes folks have DSL, and no Firewall other than MS, got a call from them last night - they've lost control of their computer to something that won't let them shut it down, or open their AVG anti-virus. I had them shut it down with the switch, and looks like I'll be making a trip up there for damage control. I'll install System Suite 5 on there to clean stuff up, and so they'll have at least a good software firewall until they can get a hardware firewall. Maybe be sending my Smoothwall box up there for them . . .

[TJM4FUN]

Case, a firewall won;t stop stuff like that. that is usually the result of a trojan getting on the system, and that comes in as data as far as the firewall is concerned. A software firewall on the system MIGHT have alerted them fo suspicious activity, but they gert disabled too.
Best bet is getting some good antivirus software, and some good spyware stuff on there.
(spywareblaster really does a good job, unless they play alot of those spyware infested online casino type games)
I know antivir is a little rough around the edges, it's not for alot of
users, but is very potent for cleaning things up. I have heard pandasoft is very good, and easy to use, but they only have a full function trial. for firewalls, if you are leary of ZA cause some people have probs with it, I've had recommendations for one called Outpost from a few competent people.

Naturally if you want to spend alot of time visiting them, you can put norton's system mangler software on it. :lol:

[Case]

No, I have Spybot, AdAware, and AVG on there - I put that stuff on all my relatives computers, I'm going to start putting SpywareBlaster on there too. Thing is, they never update and run that stuff. I tell them, do it at least once a week, and it never gets done.

The firewall is just so they get alerts to supicious traffic.

[Merch2005]

ZoneAlarm here. With Spysweeper, SpywareBlaster, Norton Antivirus 2005 and Protowall always running. Then I do periodical sweeps with SpyBot S & D and Ad-Aware. It's amazing the things that these security buddies of mine sometimes find.

[moonuser]

On your relatives computers, why not use the "task" wizard and have windows remember to run it..!!!

[vaiopup]

Netgear router and ZA

[Sphynx]

I use some fancy router, i don't even know it's name but it does the job, and a firewall from an antivirus (BitDefender), it all works fine for me! Any suggestions what to use when i switch to Linux Slackware??????

[labatts]

i use a D-link router and linux.....nuff said :D

[Grogan]

I said I was using a Dlink, but it failed a couple of months ago and I'm now using a Netgear FR114P firewall/router.

The DLink 704p just winked out one saturday night at 3 am. I was refreshing a page, and it just didn't come. All higher level functions (other than the dumb switch ports) are brain dead. Reset does nothing, it's fried. Luckily I had a spare cheapo dlink 604 in the closet to get me through until the monday.

[pi_doane]

I use ZoneAlarm firewall when I am running Windows XP, and GuardDog firewall when I am running Slackware 10.0 Linux.

I also run AVG Anti-virus to keep viruses off my computer, and Ad-Aware and XoftSpy to keep the spybots and malware off my computer when I am running Windows.

[Three D]

I just use a d-link router with a built in firewall. I have found software firewalls to be nothing but trouble. I take the same stance as Grogan. If you keep your systems free of nasties there should be no reason to have something to block outgoing stuff.

[boredus]

I'm using a Linksys wrt54g with the Hyperwrt firmware, i caught a good deal at Radio Shack, after rebates i ended up with 20.00 in the router, which is basically a linux busybox. If you like to expierment with routing, firewalls ect this router is wonderful.

[dorsets finest]

I use Outpost Pro linked with Nod32 antivirus, I tried a few others
but have not found any thing to match them yet . The worst I tried was Norton its slow and awful
Steve

[Zemuss]

What does everyone think of NVIDIA's new Firewall? I am using it and it seems to work. I also have the FIREwall on the Router enabled.
"Z"

[Zema Bus]

Originally posted by Zemuss
What does everyone think of NVIDIA's new Firewall? I am using it and it seems to work. I also have the FIREwall on the Router enabled.
"Z"

Is that the motherboard chipset firewall? I can't remember if my MSI board has that, it does have two onboard NIC's. How does that work?

I'm nolonger using Smoothwall, it's taking a break, I swiched to a Netgear FR114P router/firewall & using Link Logger to monitor stuff. Imazing all the info and stats Link Logger can pull up from the router, tons more thans available from the router's own stats.

[floppybootstomp]

Another really old thread, re-awakened.

Folks, you want to know this thing - start a new thread.

This one be locked now.

No bad vibes, seriously, but new members search and find these old threads, it not be healthy.

New members should maybe start new threads/polls :)