Firewall Protection best method?

[Viper69]

I am wondering what's the best method for firewall protection.

I am under the impression that having my broadband connection go into a Router, that then assigns my computer a dynamic IP address, which then connects to my computer, is much better than just firewall software.

Is that correct??

[Sophisticated]

Well Zonealarm is the best firewall out it...it even counts up 1 by 1 of the people tryn to ping to ur comp or lookin for open ports and blocks there ip.....

[SniperXX]

Hardware will beat any software firewall. Routers are good since the NAT will hide the comps behind the router cant be seen unless you open ports on the router. Also, alot of the routers can ignore ping requests making your network more secure.

[Sophisticated]

ok i see what your saying...

[The VTech]

I agree on the hardware firewall setup over a software based one.
Sonicwall gets my vote.
www.sonicwall.com <---- research
www.firewalls.com <--- Order

[coin]

Smoothwall!!!!!

Sorry couldn't resist. Very good and easy to use hardware firewall solution. All it needs is an old box, and yes it really does run on a 486! and 15 minutes to set up.

www.smoothwall.org

(Admin, please remove linkage if against rules :D )

[su root]

A hardware firewall could be like a personal bodyguard with a bulletproof vest, where, should you be shot at, they would take the bullet for you. They would stop evil people from talking to you, and basically keep everyone out of your face. There is only one problem with this setup. The problem is that it allows you to do anything you want.. if you want to talk to the evil person, then it'll let you (but it won't let them start the conversation). If you want to run a virus, it can't stop you, and it won't stop you from infecting others.

A software firewall is like "good practices".. you know better than to talk with evil people, and let evil people talk to you. You also know better than to let viruses, or other programs on your computer to connect out and infect other people. However it has two faults: 1. If you get shot at, it may not be able to stop the bullet (where a "bullet" could be an exploit like Blaster), and 2. It is directly connected to your decisions: if you choose, you can let a virus connect to the internet.

Hardware firewalls are a lot better, but they won't protect you from yourself. For best protection, use both (although this is unnecessary). It all boils down to whether you are a competent user or not.. if you run a software firewall and tell the computer it's OK to let the virus connect to the internet, the software firewall is just as useful as the hardware firewall.

[sir_LOIN]

I would say a hardware firewall, it's always on and it doesn't easily crash like software making your computers unprotected.

[SniperXX]

Just like su root said. Just think of it as a one way gate, you can send stuff out all the time but stuff cant come in unless invited.