Firewall...Why?

[Pitch]

Why do I need a firewall? My cable modem has a switch that allows me to puts it in a kind of Standby Mode (cuts off Internet access, but allows for isp status monitoring) when I'm not surfing. All my computer ports show either closed or stealth. I'd appreciate your comments.

[Croc]

There are a number of members here that could give you a very long list of very sensible reasons why you should get a software firewall. You should read a bit more on the subject. Below are a few sites for info. Read, absorb and download.
This from Davidov (http://davidovv2.homestead.com/firewalls.html)
This from Gibson Research (http://grc.com/su-firewalls.htm) And when you download, post what firewall you are going to get and get information on it.
Personally ZoneAlarm is the one I use and I think most here would agree.

[clevelandtexas]

If we lived in a world free of thieves and vandals there would be no need for any firewall. Unfortunately there are hackers. Hackers are thieves and vandals. They rape, pillage and plunder other's computers through direct assaults or by writing and sending viruses.

We live in a world where we have locks on our doors and bars on the windows of our homes. No honest person would ever force entry into your home, nor your PC.

Hackers are not honest people.

A firewall, anti-virus software, trojan sniffers, etc are all a reflection of the world we live in.

I don't mean to sound like a preacher but how different would the world be if everyone took to heart, "thou shall not steal"?

Get some kind of firewall.

[Pitch]

From the Gibson Research site:

You need a Personal Internet Firewall if: Your computer's files need to be accessed remotely across the Internet.
You are operating any sort of Internet server such as Personal Web Server.
You use any sort of Internet-based remote control or remote access program such as PC Anywhere, Laplink, or Wingate.
You want to properly and safely monitor your Internet connection for intrusion attempts.
You want to preemptively protect yourself from compromise by "inside the wall" Trojan horse programs like NetBus and Back Orifice.

Okay, if none of the above apply to me, then I don't need a firewall, right? Sorry, having a, somewhat, difficult time understanding the basic reasons for the need of a firewall in personal (non-business) computing.

[cobra25]

so as i understand it you don't need a firewall cause you don't mind if other people mess around with your computer


If that's the case don't use one (and give me your IP addy ;-) )

But just read through this forum and you'll understand why you need a firewall

[keeper]

A hardware Firewall is great to have. I would NOT put all my trust in it.

A Software Firewall will give you extra protection and is ONLY for YOUR benefit.

It uses very little sys resources and alerts you to attempted Intrusions you would have otherwise 'not known about'.

It keeps your PC from accessing the net 'behind your back'.

Softwalls like ZA are free & effective.

So the question is not WHY, it is 'Why Not'??

[denolth2]

What was that site you guys put up that had info on firewall hardware? Friend is interested in getting some info on them... :)

den2 :rolleyes:

[Pitch]

Thanks guys for your feedback. Please bare with me because, perhaps, I'm beginning to understand this firewall thing. A couple of more questions, please. Now, if I were to do some online banking, trade stocks, pay bills, make online purchases, etc.; would it be possible for others to obtain bank account numbers, credit card numbers, passwords, etc.? And if so, would a software firewall offer proficient protection against this? :)

[Prey521]

Originally posted by Pitch:
And if so, would a software firewall offer proficient protection against this? :)

No, the firewall only protects stuff thats inside of your PC. The info for the online banking is stored on the banks servers, whom you would hope would have adequate security to protect your info from hackers.

[Pitch]

Thanks prey521. I guess the answer was pretty obvious. However, wouldn't Windows store some of the online banking info in my computer too? That is, if I were to make an online purchase, would Windows somehow store the credit card number in my system too? Please elaborate on this. Thank you. :confused:

[Croc]

You make an on-line purchase and enter your credit card number on the transaction form.
That form is generated where? The on-line store's server and you upload it. Therefore your information, unless you save the page with all your details on it as a screenshot, has gone to the server. The only thing that is important is the time it takes to transmit the page with all your details on it to the server for processing. If you are over a secure connection then your details are safer than over a normal connection and you also have the option of encryption if the store recognises encryption.
According to those people I speak to about this your details are just as safe as they are using a cordless phone to pay your bills using pulse dialing to enter your credit card numbers.
That's not saying there won't be a program written and released that will blow all the security measures away tomorrow.