Expert: Brian Benosky - 3/19/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi Brian, I have XP Home and a wireless connection with router. Do I need a software firewall also or is that overkill? Thanks!

ANSWER: Hi Mike

The short answer is yes, you do need a software firewall.  The firewall that is built into the hardware of the router should stop most incoming probes.  However, if your PC gets infected with a virus or Trojan, the router will not stop the malware from calling out.  And once it calls out, your router firewall will not block the response.  You really need a software firewall to maintain control of the programs running on your computer.  Not only malicious programs, but also legitimate ones that sometimes access the net without permission.  Hope that helps.  Cheers!

Brian

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your expert advice! Can you also recommend a good and easy to set up software firewall, and are the free ones any good? Thank you again, Brian.

Answer
Hi Mike

You are quite welcome.  The best firewall I can recommend is Comodo Pro.  It also happens to be free, which makes it even better.  The program is not intrusive and does not take up a great deal of system resources, unlike Zone Alarm or Norton.  It's also easy to set up and use.  Check it out and download it from:
http://download.cnet.com/Comodo-Firewall-Pro/3000-10435_4-10460704.html?tag=mnco
Cheers!

Brian