Thanks to Scott Bassett, Michigan appellate lawyer extraordinaire, and also a
highly skilled computer tech, knowledgeable about both hardware and software for this tip about the type of protection you should be thinking about to avoid hackers from accessing your computer and/or computer network. As you can see from Scott's comments how you use the Internet will be a big factor in what type of firewall protection you will need.
Scott says:
Firewall software such as Zone Alarm is much more important on notebook and netbook computers where you will be connecting to a variety of Wi-Fi networks when you travel without knowing if there is also a properly configured hardware firewall protecting your connection. It may be overkill to install Zone Alarm on your home or office desktop computer connecting to the Internet only through your home or office router that already has a hardware firewall (make sure it has not been disabled in the router configuration settings). The router's hardware firewall, plus the built-in Windows firewall, are adequate for most users. Those who engage in high-risk browsing, however, should use every available protection (just as in real life).
There is an informative article on firewalls here:
http://ask-leo.com/do_i_need_a_firewall_and_if_so_what_kind.html
One thing you definitely don't want to do, even in a single-computer setup, is to connect your computer directly to a cable or DSL modem without a router in between - even if you use a software firewall. A router, with its built-in firewall, is cheap (usually under $100, sometimes as low as $50 for basic models) protection for your PC even if you don't need its routing capabilities to spread your Internet connection to multiple PC's in a wired or wireless network.
There is an informative article on firewalls here:
http://ask-leo.com/do_i_need_a_firewall_and_if_so_what_kind.html
One thing you definitely don't want to do, even in a single-computer setup, is to connect your computer directly to a cable or DSL modem without a router in between - even if you use a software firewall. A router, with its built-in firewall, is cheap (usually under $100, sometimes as low as $50 for basic models) protection for your PC even if you don't need its routing capabilities to spread your Internet connection to multiple PC's in a wired or wireless network.
Not expecting to see computer safety tips in this blog. But thanks for the reminder. I should install extra protection for my PC since certain people've been trying to hack my PC. I'm thinking to install windows defender, beside my default firewall.
Cheers,
Adi
Posted by: Adi | June 24, 2010 at 03:03 PM