I’ve been behind a router for 4 months, and have been using Norton Firewall and Antivirus for 2 years. Since my last re-install of Windows XP, I haven’t bothered to install a dedicated firewall or antivirus. Initially, it was due to my lack of patience for Windows to start up. Now it is because I know my router is a very effective firewall.
The mechanism of this is attributed to how a router works. A router returns a request back to your computer after you’ve connected to a server, if and only if that request is made by the computer (the main idea is to route different requests to different computers connected to the router). Therefore, all unrequested attempts (hackers) will not be forwarded to the computer at all. While it is potentially harmful not to have an anti-virus since viruses can be attached to HTTP requests and thus forwarded to the computer, anonymous attempts and connections are almost guaranteed to be blocked.
I’ve been safe and sound since March 9. I’m curious to how long I can go before I disprove my theory.
I have two words to say: Backup. Often.
A firewall does not just disallow ‘anonymous access’ to your computer from outside, but it also stops unwanted programs ON your computer from REQUESTING information from the outside. Your router would see this as a valid request of data.. which only a firewall software can help you distinguish.
Sadly, I rarely backup. I do have a copy of everything on my laptop though.
I’m using the Windows firewall. Is that enough?
hardly
block XP firewall and get Zone Alarm. It works for when I’m on windows, but otherwise when I’m on a mac no need for a firewall client.
I used to have Zone Alarm. It just took way too much memory (80mb+). Until I’m attacked by a hacker, I probably won’t install a firewall.