Broadband Tech > Security > Security > Leo Laporte says software firewall not needed!

reply to Da Geek Kid

Re: Leo Laport says software firewall not needed!

reply to gate1975mlm
Keep in mind, a router is not bulletproof. Occasionally, I do see Outpost throw a flag. Better to have a second line of defense than to see your system crumble.

I do have "other" measures in place incase something does get through(it can happen).

EDIT: Spelling.
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Think outside the Fox... Opera

reply to taximan233
You can't touch or see radio waves but you can hear them. Just Googled and found this reference to his radio show:

»NO outgoing traffic protection
Transcript: »www.grc.com/sn/SN-003.pdf
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Microsoft Windows 2000/XP Security: Some Assembly Required.

reply to gate1975mlm
In a perfect world with only super-users on the LAN it might make more sense. I've got a 13 year old daughter and even though she's very well educated, she could still be tricked. My wife's computer is also connected and she's a very casual user who could also be tricked.

I also hate software that insists on calling home, even when the options are set to not allow it.

I'll stick with our Kerio setup.

reply to gate1975mlm
I think a software firewall is necessary only on a dialup connection and then ICF is just fine. On broadband just get behind a router. I stopped using ZA several years ago...LONG before I got a router. I had NO firewall, no router and I was just fine. I have never gotten a virus or spyware. But then I have no desire to look at porn, gambling sites, warez, etc. I am a careful user and I would NEVER DREAM of being without Proxo! I got a bit irritated at Wilders today because it was recommended to someone that it may be necessary to bypass Proxo there because of problems some are having with the new software. Hmmpf! I don't bypass Proxo for any site even a trusted, favorite one on a permanent basis although I might temporarily for troubleshooting purposes. Luckily I'm not having any problems there. I say use Proxo and be done with it. You don't need a software firewall but these days one should be behind a router.
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Around 2005 a sudden spark will catalyze a Crisis mood. The very survival of the nation will seem to be at stake.Sometime before 2025, America will pass through a great gate in history. The risk and promise will be very high. The Fourth Turning Wm. Straus

reply to gate1975mlm
I personally don't go without a software firewall on Windows systems, I enjoy being able to have control over which applications can have access to the internet. Seems wise that more protection is usually better.

reply to gate1975mlm
I say hes right, I have never used a real firewall and I have never been hacked trojaned or whatever. It's just stupid people getting hacked downloading starcraft maphack from kazaa . Now some of you might say how do you know you haven't been hacked, well when I'm bored and that's every like 3 months I install a firewall(Kerio) and an Anti-Virus(NOD32) just to make sure and nothing has been found EVER....

reply to gate1975mlm
I knew my response would ruffle a few feathers.

No I don't think you're stupid at all. What I said was "he is stupid for recommending such action.". Let me elaborate...

Leo is in a position where people who don't know any better may put stock into what he says - and follow his advice. Such people probably don't know how to secure their machines properly. Do you see where I'm going with this? I personally choose to firewall every device in my home LAN at the router level and at each node (software level). I know I'm not completely secure but I have good piece-of-mind that I am sufficiently safe.
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Some people are like Slinkies©... Not good for much, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.

reply to gate1975mlm
I think the subject of this thread is nothing but talk, that's all talk. It should be: who need (do not need) software firewall?

Answer: if you study IT Security and lost time for this task regularly - you do not need software firewall, but if you are very busy and use your computer for looking for some reference data or other information with using the Internet - you need software firewall.

reply to laz45

reply to gate1975mlm
FWIW I've never been stung either. I just don't see the reason to NOT add an layer of protection. There are a lot of buttheads out there and, frankly, many of them know more than I. Better safe than sorry.

If you don't run a software firewall and you're happy, fine. I do run software firewalls and I'm happy. Take it for what it's worth. Read into it what you will...
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Some people are like Slinkies©... Not good for much, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.

reply to gate1975mlm

Re: Leo Laporte says software firewall not needed!

reply to gate1975mlm
Interesting post. I recently bought a wireless router (hardwired to my PC) and have never seen an incoming or outgoing problem on my Outpost software firewall. Actually, I thought there might be a problem with my software firewall as nothing shows up as being blocked.
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It's viruses...the word virii does not exist.

Might come in handy if something gets by...

I found a drive-by site posted in another forum and tested:

»www.rsjones.net/DriveBySite/

-rich
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~~Be ALERT!!!~~

Re: Leo Laporte says software firewall not needed!

reply to gate1975mlm
I don't.
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Heal

I mean I don't use a outbound firewall.
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Heal

reply to gate1975mlm
I agree with him completely, theres no need for a software firewall. why do i need to control what goes out ? i'm not letting anything in . a tech from an isp i used to use recomemded i dont use a software firewall that they cause more problems then they solved. I reluctantly tried it. I was amazed at how much more stable my os became because of it
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Trust is the condition necessary for betrayal