Firewall/Virus package?

[Briantho]

I've been using the free version of Grisoft AVG for the last year (having found Norton to be very heavy) and it seems fine. My copy of Zone Alarm is due for renewal but I see that AVG do firewalls too, for a reasonable price. I was wondering if anybody has any experience of the AVG firewall?

[Steve Grisetti]

Sorry to offer an non-answer, Brian, but truth is that most PCs that are attached to the internet through a router don't need a heavy duty firewall.

See, most routers have a built-in firewall. (BTW, when you do get a router, be sure to change the password because, by default, all routers use the same factory-issued password.) So, if you've got a router between your computer and your cable or DSL connection, the Windows firewall is more than adequate and much less intrusive than, say, Zone Alarm.

[Briantho]

OK, thanks for that Steve

[Chuck Engels]

I would also add that I trust all the Grisoft products, AVG Anti-Virus, Firewall and Anti-Spyware I do not use the firewall product, I use the Windows Firewall.

[Briantho]

I'll probably do the same as you Chuck - thanks

[Bobby]

I have to disagree. There are two kinds of firewalls - and the re-use of the term is unfortunate.

Most routers implement NAT - Network Address Translation. In a nutshell, this assigns internal, dummy addresses to your PCs and translate them in and out to the real assigned IP address from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) when needed. NAT "firewalls" are very effective at keeping the bad guys from directly addressing your PC, but don't prevent any other bad stuff such as in email or webpages which they allow through.

It is true that some high end routers do have further firewall implementations, but most don't and very often the users don't turn it on anyhow.

The second kind of firewall - a software firewall - is a program in your PC that basically monitors all you IP activity and either blocks or alerts you to suspicious activity.

You need both, and the Windows Firewall in XP is too weak - the one in Vista is better.

I have installed AV and firewall products for my clients for 8 years now, and I stick with Norton Internet Security. Yes, it's a bit heavy, but when I look at the overall record, Norton is always near the top of the heap. You can get NIS for about $50 OEM price if you check the Internet.

I wouldn't be without it.

[Chuck Engels]

Very good info Bob, thanks.

I don't think the average guy is going to need a ton of security on a computer. Most 'bad guys' are not looking for Joe Average PC user, it would be a waste of their time. Norton is a good product, we use it at work and it has saved us from many problems over and over again. I just don't see the need as long as I am careful about where I go and what I do on the computer. Knowlege is very helpful in this area, I know where not to go and what just doesn't look right and I stay away from that stuff.

Simple things like,

1) Don't visit Porn sites
2) Don't respond or click on 'YOUR A WINNER' ad banners
3) Don't open emails from people you don't know
4) Don't click on any POP UPs!!!
5) Don't ever give personal information if you are not sure what it will be used for
6) PayPal, eBay, and all Banks and Credit Card Companies already have your information, they do not send emails asking you to log into your account and do anything.

Maybe some of you can add some more 'Don'ts' to the list

[Steve Grisetti]

Yeah, but what fun is that, Chuck?!

[Ron]

I agree with Steve. Now the only place to surf to is muvipix.com !

I guess that's a good thing




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