Are their any hardware firewalls for the average user??

[BIGGDOG]

I am not looking to break the bank with a $5000.00 firewall just mabe $500.00 or so.

I only need it to keep people out and the ability to open certain ports. I am not looking to prevent certain web pages and so on.

 

[Migroo]

Plenty - but you'll need to define 'avarage' user.

There are hardware firewall/routers available etc.

Edit: Even things like SmoothWall, which turn an old out-of date PC into a router / firewall. As its a PC, it can be classed as a 'Hardware' firewall.

 

[JDJ]

Quick question. How do you connect to the internet?? Do you have only one computer or several. The answer depends on your setup. I have only one computer (for now), so no network. I also use DSL. I got a D-link residential gateway that acts as a hardware firewall my computer is hooked up to it which in turn is connected to the DSL modem, but it works just as well with a cable modem (so the instructions say). D-links driver and firmware updates are great. Only drawback was I neede as RS-232 cable it install the firmware upgrades. Found one gathering dust on the back of a shelf at the local radio shack.

One other thing. Several layers of security are usually recommended from what I have read. I also have Zonealarm software firewall installed which works great and is free for residential use. There are various other programs out there that scan registry files, etc. It all depends on how paranoid you are....or if you've been burned before.

Good Luck, and hope this helps.

John

 

[BIGGDOG]

I have two computers at this time the other one is my wifes.

 

[Gunbuster]

3com makes some "cheap" (under $1500) officeconnect firewalls

 

[Belegost]

Most of the DSL/Cable routers out there come with some form of hardware firewall. They aren't likely to stop a particularly dedicated hacker, but very few residential users need to worry about that. You can find them fairly cheap, if you check the Hot Deals forum one or another is often on sale for about $50, and they generally sell at normal price for around $100.

If you don't have a broadband connection the SMC Barricade has a built in serial port for an external modem, as well as a print server. Hmm, seems Netgear offers a dial-up only router with built-in modem, interesting.
With Cable/DSL the field widens a bit, and along with the SMC I have also used and can recommend:
One of Netgear's offerings for broadband sharing. I personally have only used the RT314 and had no problems.
The Linksys routers are generally popular, especially the BEFSR41 base model, though I personally found the Linksys equipment less user-friendly and a bit more bug prone than the Netgear or SMC offerings.
There are lots of other similiar models from other companies out there doing pretty much the same thing, I just have never used them so I can't make any recommendations.

 

[SUOrangeman]

My $49.99 D-Link DI-704 broadband router has a built-in firewall and a serial port to connect an external modem. I got it at Best Buy. You may not find it that cheap, but it should be well under $100.

-SUO

 

[austonia]

I use a Netgear RT314 4 port firewall for inbound filtering and I use ZoneAlarm free software for outbound IP filtering. Works very well for an average user like me.

 

[JDJ]

Sorry I didnt tell you how much the DI-701 cost. I think they were running around $50 last time I looked. I dont know that they are making them with the DI-704 cable/dsl routers out now. If you are running both computers in the same room then pick up a cable/dsl router with the built in firewall.

John

 

[Degenerate]

Sorry. but not really into this topic but what are the essential differences between a hardware firewall and a software one like Norton internet sercurity or Zone alarm?

 

[kgraeme]

<< Sorry. but not really into this topic but what are the essential differences between a hardware firewall and a software one like Norton internet sercurity or Zone alarm? >>



In my opinion a software firewall has two strikes against it:

1. It has to be running constantly, using up CPU cycles.
2. Whatever coming in has already gotten past the NIC and too close to the OS for my tastes.

That doesn't have anything to do with whether they are generally effictive or not, and I've read many tests which indicate that Norton and BlackIce are not effective. Zone Alarm appears to be the best software solution.