Software firewall vs Hardware Firewall

[imported_Somnus]

Hello everyone,

I only have one computer at home, and I used to use my D-Link 604 Router and Sygate Personal Firewall together on the same system. Right now I am only using the Sygate software firewall.

I was having problems with the router not forwarding ports correctly for my ftp server, and other applications that I use.

My question is this..

Do I need both or can I get away with just a software firewall? Or should I just use the hardware firewall in the router?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

[WhiteDragon]

IMHO I really wouldn't worry about an application/software based firewall IF and only if you know you have a good external hardware firewall. I am unfamiliar with the quality of D-Link but I'm sure its on par with most of the other home based routers and if that is the case you should be fine. But Zonealarm is completely free, barely takes any packet/bandwidth away from you and it wouldn't hurt to have it. I use ISA on my server at home.....so I don't really worry

 

[spidey07]

zone alarm or other personal firewalls are nice because they tell you if your computer is trying to communicate with something, like phone home stuff and trojans.

A hardware/NAT router is great because nothing can talk directly to your computer.

I like to have both.

 

[Nothinman]

IMHO I really wouldn't worry about an application/software based firewall IF and only if you know you have a good external hardware firewall

So you know what all of your software is doing on the network without any 3rd party tools?

 

[WhiteDragon]

kind of "you gotta have faith theory" isnt it?

 

[JackMDS]

There is No Versus, each one is protecting in a different way, and you need them both.

More explanation here: Basic Protection for Broadband Internet Installation.

:light:

 

[Nothinman]

kind of "you gotta have faith theory" isnt it?

Having faith in the software and running Windows are mutually exclusive.