Noob ?? - have router need firewall?

[scabbo]

I have a cable modem connection that is networked in my home to three PC's - my router comes with a built-in firewall its a Lynksys Phoneline router - so my question is... do my PC's need a software firewall like Zone Alarm or Norton?

Thanks all :)

[TonyT]

Technically, no, you need nothing else.
But, it depends on how the network gets used and who uses it.

I am behing a router with NAT firewall and I have kept my software firewall too, because 3 of the other computers on my home network are used by my kids. They are quite computer literate, but still, they are kids and prone to hasty decisions when downloading or when running Morpheous/AIM etc etc.

Therefore I do not fully put my trust in their abilities and I keep the software firewall running.

[Roody]

go grab Zone Alarm and put it on your computer, Tony is right though, you shouldnt need one, but its always better safe then sorry. plus it helps monitor what is happening and its easier to look into.

[Norm]

A software firewall is nice to keep around, even when you have a router.
You can see, and stop, outbound traffic, like apps calling home, or trojans, trying to open ports.

[Croc]

There are other choices than ZoneAlarm that you can use.
Sygate, OutPost. Tiny etc to name 3.
Remember that if you do use one of them you won't see very much activity. In fact you should only see outbound and once the configuration is complete you won't see anything unless you want to set the firewall up to pop up every time something wants access.

What would be nice is a program that only does Outbound traffic. Like Blackice in reverse.

Croc.

[scabbo]

thanks I'll add ZA as a "just in case" to watch outbound traffic.

Thanks again