Firewall recommended?

[Hayashi]

Seeking some technical advice here.
I've upgraded my internet connection from a 56k dial-up to broadband (512 kbps) via an ADSL modem. I am a bit concerned about security as it appears that the ADSL line is always connected unless I manually disconnect each time I use my PC.
Should I install a firewall? If so what would you recommend (free if possible )

My OS is currently Win98SE, I suppose it's only a matter of time before I convert to XP.

Thanks.

[ 03-25-2003, 12:21 AM: Message edited by: Hayashi ]

[Paladin2000]

It is a 100% yes. However, unless you are a direct target of a hacker, the chances of you getting hacked are relatively low. But a good firewall is not just protecting yourself from potential hacker but rather it is good at stopping "rogue" websites from installing illegal porn dialers and spyware into your PC.

I would recommend ZoneAlarm Basic(free) for normal use but if you are in the habit of using P2P software like Kazaa or have the habit of visiting to those *ahem* porn sites and sites that offers free MP3s, I would recommend the Pro version. The Pro version is not free but it does a good job of blocking dialers are spyware programs from being installed into your PC. For example, if you accidently downloaded a "free" version of program that comes with spyware, you will noticed that ZoneAlarm Pro will seek your permission when the spyware tries to access to the internet. I usually blocked off these type of access but in long term, it is better to remove the software once and for all.

Oh yeah, if you installed ZoneAlarm Basic of Pro, don't be alarmed by the so-called "potential" attack because these are usually scanning activity conducted by those wannabe hackers. If a good hacker wanted to attack your PC (for no specific reason), chances are he/she would probably be able to bypass your security in a matter of hours or minutes. Don't expect to be totally invincible running behind firewall. But to be honest, unless you have provoked certain individual hacker, the chances of you getting attacked will be very low.

[ 03-24-2003, 11:50 PM: Message edited by: Paladin2000 ]

[Bungleau]

My suggestion (after saying yes, you need a firewall) is to use either a software one (as already suggested), or consider a hardware one as well. I use a four-port Linksys router, and it has eliminated a lot of problems.

The one thing a hardware firewall doesn't give you is protection from trojan horse routines, like the auto-dialers already mentioned. On my system, though, I don't have a modem, so it's much less of an issue.

[Night Stalker]

Originally posted by Paladin2000: However, unless you are a direct target of a hacker, the chances of you getting hacked are relatively low.

Oh, this is sooooo not true. Script kiddies are constantly on the look out for open ports to exploit. While they may not be specifically interested in you or your info, they are very interested in an open high bandwidth constantly connected machine - useful for targetting other machines, and making those attacks appear to come from you (which they are, in part) ...

Get a decent hardware FW if you can, also run Norton, or Black ICE or something ...

[lethoso]

chances of getting your computer hacked are remote in the extreme, imo firewalls are a waste of time (in a desktop situation). Unless you do stupid stuff to your config chances of being remotely hacked are extremely small... a much much bigger risk is stupid siblings/others downloading trojans.... maintain a tight control on who installs stuff and you should be fine...

[ 03-25-2003, 01:33 AM: Message edited by: lethoso ]

[Hayashi]

Originally posted by lethoso: chances of getting your computer hacked are remote in the extreme, imo firewalls are a waste of time (in a desktop situation). Unless you do stupid stuff to your config chances of being remotely hacked are extremely small... a much much bigger risk is stupid siblings/others downloading trojans.... maintain a tight control on who installs stuff and you should be fine...

Sorry, don't understand what you mean by doing "stupid stuff to your config"?

[Kakero]

probably what he means is the chances of you spoiling your own computer is greater than it being hack by hackers.

[Manwe]

Well i dont know what to say, atleast i use ZoneLabs ZoneAlarm Pro, i dont know if it's good or not, but it works. The only problem i have with it is that it crashes sometimes, so i think i will install the free ZoneAlarm instead, because i used that before.

[WillowIX]

Generally a firewall is recommended for all. Unfortunately software firewalls cost money and the hardwarwe ones cost even more. The latter are of course better at preventing hackers. Here´s a site that offers advice on free software firewalls: http://www.free-firewall.org/

Hope this helps. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[Night Stalker]

Originally posted by lethoso: chances of getting your computer hacked are remote in the extreme, imo firewalls are a waste of time (in a desktop situation). Unless you do stupid stuff to your config chances of being remotely hacked are extremely small... a much much bigger risk is stupid siblings/others downloading trojans.... maintain a tight control on who installs stuff and you should be fine...

What's your IP .....

Seriously, any computer that has continual access to the Net needs to be behind a firewall. The default setting on 99% of OSs are inherantly insecure and easy to exploit. Unless you are a security specialist and know how to lock down your box ... get a firewall, preferably a hardware one.