Firewall question

[Peterlock]

Hi Folks,

Question - I run McAfee firewall express because it comes with AOL's new 9.0 security version. But also run ZoneAlarm Pro (rated best Fire wall and not expensive)

Now I know better than to run two different anti virus programs, but is running two firewalls a potential problem?...I'm a certified eBay instructor and do both live seminars, webinars and one on one or small groups over the web and my system hangs lately, always at the worst time! and I can't figure out why...

Any thoughts would be mucho appreciated!

Peter ha

[Perry]

I don't know of any conflicts running multiple firewalls - but I don't generally use a software solution. Have you checked into firewall routers? One device would replace the need for any firewall software.

[Peterlock]

Thanks Perry!

I haven't checked into firewall routers at all - but you can bet I will now, thanks for the tip!

Peter

[Elleth Faewen]

Running multiple firewalls can give you the same kinds of problems that running multiple anti-virus products can. Stick with your zone-alarm and turn off the mcafee firewall.

[Rhinohd]

From my understanding if you have a router (most have built in firewalls) you don't need to run a software firewall. The concept is that your router will not accept any packets that it did not ask for. Thus, nothing will get past a router your computer didn't request. You MUST still run an antivirus solution to identify and remove any virus or Trojan you accepted via email or web page.

This is what I do to keep my computer healthy. All the listed are scheduled to run automatically while I am asleep.

Norton antivirus and update EVERY night.

Defrag each drive once a week (Norton checks to see if it is fragmented beyond the a % point I have set it to (3%))

Norton System Doctor (fixes windows problems like registry errors)

Adaware once a week.

Windows Update set to download and prompt me for install.

Backup, Backup, and more Backups. I have a maxtor 300gig one touch external hard drive that runs a backup on my system 2 times a week. Once it's done backing everything up it locks so no one or nothing can access it.

I leave my system on 24/7 and it's been running for months without a hiccup.

[Kent]

My only qualification on the need for a software firewall if you have a hardware firewall would be if you are running wireless on your network. At that point, you have brought the insecure (an untrusted someone perhaps remote connecting) to a point behind your outside firewall. I also agree about the running of two firewalls. You could make yourself a nightmare figuring out why particular Internet traffic is not working.

[Elleth Faewen]

A software firewall can still capture things that your router firewall lets through. There is no one defense that is all inclusive, and the best bet is to have as many layers as possible.