Gottfried,
Thanks for the links. Here is what I had in my message:
"A router does provide a very adequate firewall (NAT and all that stuff). It protects me from unsolicited stuff coming in. But, if my machine were somehow to become infected with a worm that tries to send out email from my machine, I would need my own personal firewall. But, for now, I will continue to practice safe hex and enjoy the freedom and simplicity of a router connection."
I never meant to imply one does not need a software firewall. But, all my ports are blocked and I download very few programs and do plan to run Zone Alarm now and then and to run an AV and trojan checker periodically. So, yes, one may need a software firewall. Personally, I will not use one most of the time, but I do not recommend that others do the same. In the last 7 years I have not had one virus or trojan or worm in my machines, but have fixed the machines of many others who became infected. I recommend to others that they use Netscape 7.1 or Mozilla 1.6. I've not had IE or OE on my machines in 7 years and I use WordPefect office suite instead of the M$ variety -- decisions which help markedly improve one's safety on the internet.
YMMV.
Whatta' hobby. |
