Re: Ask EU - firewalls

In message <AEq6V1dTYJ$EFwD8@xxxxxxxxxxxx>, Martin Clark <martin@xxxxxx> writes
neil h wrote...
Martin Clark wrote:
Mike McMillan wrote...

A router is an electronic switch that allows for 2 or more 'puters to share an internet connection. As far as the internet connection is concerned, once it has passed out of the cable modem that many broad bean services employ, it is being fed to the network card of a single puter. The router is able to service the needs of (in my case, 4 puters) at the same time.
I understand how a router is a kind of hub to share the internet connection, but how does it act as a firewall and block nasties coming or personal data going out?

In a word, yes. The firewall on the router is hardware based so is more secure than a software firewall on the pc which could potentially be disabled by a virus.

Right, I can see that. My question was "how", though. What does it do? How do you communicate with it to tell it what it should let through?

Do you need to use a software firewall, such as ZoneAlarm, as well?
Can you use a software firewall, such as ZoneAlarm, as well?

Yes, you can use a software firewall as belt and braces, but the router is the first line of defence.

Does anybody here use both? Are there any disadvantages or conflicts?

I have a router and the NAT is 'programmed' via software that came with the kit. They provide recommendations but allow you to set various options so that you can 'personalise' the settings to your service provider and your computer thus reducing the chance of outsiders getting in to your sensitive little spots ;-)))

I also use Norton Internet Protection including a Firewall and have anti virus protection from Norton too. I leave the Win XP Firewall off as I'm told that the Norton system is better and offers greater protection.
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Mike McMillan,
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