Hi guys,
It’s been a while since I logged on or check this thread. I apologize for that. Ok, I think I’m going to close this thread. As usual I will do a summary and then give anyone who disagrees with me or would like to add something 24-48 hours to do this before I close it.
Problem:
Switched from Dial-Up to DSL and wanted to know if I require a Firewall.
Hardware:
E-machines H5088 with Pentium IV HT, 2GB RAM (2 x 1GB RAM memory Stick), 2Wire 2701 Modem/router
O.S. :
Windows Vista Home Basic
Software:
Avast Antivirus 4.8.1229 Home Edition, Vista Firewall, Firefox 3, etc.
Solution:
I found that the 2Wire 2701 Modem/router has a built in firewall. I initially did not know that. This was taken from the Installation manual (in pdf format) for the 2wire hardware.
Remove or Disable Conflicting Applications
Internet sharing software and PC based firewall applications typically interfere with the 2Wire gateway, and should be removed or disabled before you install the gateway. The 2Wire gateway provides the same features as the products listed below.
Some of the applications are Norton Internet Security, Black Ice, and Zone Alarm. The installation manual can be found at:
www.2wire.com/pages/pdfs/2701_installation_guide.pdfThe firewalls that were recommended in this thread were Zone Alarm FW , PCTools FW, and Comodo 3 FW. These Firewalls are free and from this thread I saw no reported conflicts with Avast. Most of the issues with the Firewalls had to do with the usage of System resources and intuitiveness of the program. I am not sure which one to recommend and in the end it depends mostly on your personnel system, and your preferences. Hope this helped any one with similar issues.
Thank you all again for the continued support.