Do I need a firewall?

[Jon Lawrance]

Currently, I don't have a firewall on my PC. How important is it? How often am I likely to get hackers on my system?

What is the simplest, easiest solution for me without it being too resource hungry?

Jon

[bblqj78]

Yes...you need a firewall of sorts. easiest...simpleset...and effective one to use I would say is Zonealarm free version. Get it here.....

http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_za.jsp

[r8500]

Definetely get a firewall Jon.

[Jon Lawrance]

Thanks for the link. Just installed it.

I am amazed when it comes out with 421 alerts over the last hour. Are there really that number of people trying to hack my pc?

[fishybawb]

Not all of the alerts will be things you need to worry about, but hackers are the least of your worries with all the spyware and trojans about. If you've been surfing un-protected up until now, I'd really suggest you use the programs in the "nasties" sticky:

http://www.sysopt.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=161595

:t

[Rocketmech]

You should turn off the alerts and just view the log file occassionally. Otherwise , the popups will get annoying. As long as the Internet Zone is set High, your pc is stealthed .

[dajogejr]

Jon,
If you're using a broadband connection, first step is a router, preferably one with NAT or some type of hacking protection.

Second, as said above...is a software based firewall.

I use Sygate Pro, but...their free version is very good, too.

If you have any issues with ZA, I suggest you try that next.

Make sure you stay up to date on your critical updates and patches from Microsoft, as well...if you're using a windows based PC/network!!

[ukulele]

Originally posted by Jon Lawrance
Thanks for the link. Just installed it.

I am amazed when it comes out with 421 alerts over the last hour. Are there really that number of people trying to hack my pc?

Probably all 421 of them were network pings. Lots of software does it. Even a ping to a firewall is a ping. I just use a router and Windows firewall anymore, but I don't have anything on my computer to worry about anyway. I keep sensitive data on removable media. Like Alfred E. Numan says, "What? Me Worry?".

[cat5e]

Hackers and casual Pings is the last things that a regular Internet user should be worried about.

It is the other “Junk”.

Link to: Internet infestation -Or, how you are getting Internet “Junk” in and compromise your Computer/Network? (http://www.ezlan.net/infestation.html)

Link to: Basic Protection for Broadband Internet Installation. (http://www.ezlan.net/firewall.html)

Well I ended up being Infested what shall I do?

Link to: Basic Steps in cleaning Internet "Junk". (http://www.ezlan.net/clean.html)

:cool:

[MelJIpson]

A firewall is necessary to secure the computer. Now I'm using Armor2net Personal Firewall. It does a good job. Excellent Internet Security protection; zaps the pop-ups; remove the spyware components safely; easy to use; good firewall I think.
You can have a try! http://www.armor2net.com

[sell2ucheap]

i used to use no fire wall..then i used zone alram,then windows ie firewall..now i you firefox...just use that and you are covered and safe for sure