Hardware firewall

[lee16]

hi,
while being a forum user on avast forums i have read a couple of posts saying that hardware firewalls are better then software firewalls, i was just wondering if anyone could tell me why they are please.

Also i am using zonealarm free firewall and have heard poeple putting it down, am i worse off using zonealarm to this outpost firewall everyone keeps meantioning?.

--lee

[Kobra]

Generally, hardware firewalls are better because of several reasons.

1) They take up none of your PC's resources.
2) They sit out in front, as a gate, BEFORE your PC, not on your PC.
3) They are very very unlikely to have exploits or holes.
4) They usually have much more comprehensive  protections.
5) They can't be "Taken down" by trojans/worms or other things to expose your PC.
6) They don't conflict with anything.

Software firewalls real benefit is with their application control of outbound sockets. But even still, you can get that same protection for no overhead using something like System Safety Monitor.

A really really good firewall, like a SMC Barricade, can be found in the $20-40 range usually, and in my opinion, are totally worth it.

[teedoff087]

I prefer hardware firewalls because of the reasons mentioned above by Kobra. They are completely separate from your system. They can't become infected because they have their own internal memory and all of its settings are stored within the device. With certain firewall routers, you access settings through a web interface, via typing the device's ip address in your browser's address bar. I find them more convenient. It's mostly personal preference. Some use both, but I don't recommend that as the two can possibly conflict with each other. I have a Linksys BEFSX41 4-port VPN Firewall Router. It works a charm for me. If you decide to get one, look around the internet as some hardware firewalls still have a few vulnerabilities. Linksys had a few before they released upgraded firmware. Good luck!

[bob3160]

lee16
ZoneAlarm is a fine product and if it's working for you, continue using it.
I changed from ZoneAlarm Pro to Outpost because the last update of ZoneAlarm had compatability problems with my system.
Once these problems are resolved, I'll probly go back to ZA.
The main point is that if your on the internet or get e-mail or use any chat service, you need a firewall.
To put it bluntly, Using the internet with out a firewall and a good virus program like Avast! would be like having unprotected sex. Sorry but that's a good analogy.

[RedSector]

I feel bad for everyone with the ZA problems.  Me and my friend have it working just fine.  Appearently we are among the lucky few.

[.: Mac :.]

Hardware firewall are best because of what Kobra said

They sit out in front, as a gate, BEFORE your PC, not on your PC.

[bob3160]

Mac
Cobra is 100% right but if the choice is between a free software firewall and none, then the free firewall is better. If you have the extra bucks, get the hardware firewall by all means.
My request for one is already on my wish list along with an uninteruptable powersupply.
But thats a different story.....

[S.Z.Craftec]

Mac
Cobra is 100% right but if the choice is between a free software firewall and none, then the free firewall is better. If you have the extra bucks, get the hardware firewall by all means.
My request for one is already on my wish list along with an uninteruptable powersupply.
But thats a different story.....

Buy one of those hardware firewalls, they are not expensive today... I bought SMC 7004VBR Barricade for 40 $CAD with 20 $CAD mail in rebate... so practicaly I paid for it 20 $CAD only (15.0072 USD today), and it does wonderful job. Anyway, I also use software firewall Outpost, 'cause it's much better if you have them both enabled... if you want to know details why, you should ask Kobra or my friend RejZor, they will explain much better than me...  

If you decide not to buy hardware one, listen to Bob's advice... having at least software firewall is A MUST...

Take care !

Cheers !

[teedoff087]

By the way, Bob, I love the analogy.

[DavidR]

I would love a hardware firewall, however even if I had one it would be useless. I live in a rural village in the English countryside and the chance of getting broadband/ADLS/DSL are slim to non-existant.

I have to put up with dialup connection and all the associated hassles, the major ones being download and connection speed.

There is no router/firewall option for dialup modems that I have been able to find (correct me if you know differently).

The only other option is to have a PC firewall that is the internet connection server and build a basic network which makes the downstream PC invisible. I have never set one up so don't know the limitations or pitfalls of this option.

Even when/if hell freezes over and I have my firewall/router I will still maintain a software firewall on my PC, to prevent outbound traffic.

This is where I differ from Kobra, regardless of the fact that, as hes has said before, there is other software that does that with less of a resource overhead (I am not short on resources).

I used to use ZA and it is a good option for the novice and intermediate user as they don't have to make any in depth decisions (I didn't like the interface or the inflexability), however there are issues with the latest version  5.?. ?. ? for some systems.

[bob3160]

teedoff087
Thanks for the complement but, at that moment, it was the only thing that popped into my head. Hopefully it didn't offend any one.

[Staind]

teedoff087
Thanks for the complement but, at that moment, it was the only thing that popped into my head. Hopefully it didn't offend any one.

It greatly offended me. Actually, it was perfect. Although, my brother has never had a firewall/anti virus and he's never had a virus.  Which leads me to wonder, I think the safest protection is just safe surfing habits.  Too bad my dad opens every email he can get his ends on.

[bob3160]

Staind
I just finished doing a number on one of my Granddaughters computer.
491 Ad and Spyware infections and, 37 viruses and trojans.
She also had no fire wall and no anti-virus protection.
She does now.... Avast! to the rescue.