Thirding Wire and Sweno. However, despite my reliance on external hardware (my router, in this case), I do see a valid need for a software firewall: namely,
when you're using a laptop and may be connecting to an uncontrolled access point.
If that's the scenario... I still recommend ZoneAlarm. In my experience it's never been responsible for lag and instability. The one time I saw that
was due to a competing product trying to do the same job, ZA just brought it to light (I wasn't aware that a firewall was already running).
I use the free ZA, maybe the Pro version has other issues.
Still, though, if you're behind a router -- one that does NAT -- then there's no need for a firewall to be running on your machine. If you're
talking a desktop that isn't going to be connecting to J. Random Access Point, then don't bother with -any- firewall. AV and anti-spyware, sure.
Firewall, no need.
--sofaspud
--"Listening to your kid is the audio equivalent of a Salvador Dali painting, Spud." --OpMegs
when you're using a laptop and may be connecting to an uncontrolled access point.
If that's the scenario... I still recommend ZoneAlarm. In my experience it's never been responsible for lag and instability. The one time I saw that
was due to a competing product trying to do the same job, ZA just brought it to light (I wasn't aware that a firewall was already running).
I use the free ZA, maybe the Pro version has other issues.
Still, though, if you're behind a router -- one that does NAT -- then there's no need for a firewall to be running on your machine. If you're
talking a desktop that isn't going to be connecting to J. Random Access Point, then don't bother with -any- firewall. AV and anti-spyware, sure.
Firewall, no need.
--sofaspud
--"Listening to your kid is the audio equivalent of a Salvador Dali painting, Spud." --OpMegs