What does a Firewall do?

[timinindy]

I understand the basics of antivirus and antimalware, but I don't understand what a Firewall does. Can someone explain it and is it true the Windows Firewall is not a good one and should be turned off?

[shadowpr]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firewall

I personally think that windows firewall is good enough if you're behind a router.

[glc]

These days, everyone who uses any kind of always-on broadband Internet connection should be using a router or at the very least, a modem that provides network address translation.

[POISON]

firewalls really dont help much ..
firewall helping u by protecting ur PC from Hackers (mainly) , why a hacker might attack ur PC ? do u host any servers ? do u host any valuable informations on a network ? do u have crazy enemies with extermly big brains ?! do u store any valuable info that might cause a company to hire a hacker to steal them from u ?

if no , then windows firewall is fair enough.

some people says its helpful to protect against backdoor Trojans and viruses . But firewall rarely can help us against virus infection , because users normally download and execute them by a permission from the users themselves lol ! so , u need to scan everything u download by a good anti- virus / malware .

normally , firewall just delay the hacker attack ... I have kaspersky with its firewall , I always disable it (even when its enabled and my friend have a a Norton firewall ..

hmm .. read this , its a good small article :
http://www.tilburguniversity.nl/services/its/it-facilities-home/security/firewall.html

I hope this helped u ..

and thanks for the question mate , its really good . I might take this as a topic for a research material on a networking course Im taking this semester lol

[kev7555]

I have to disagree with the previous post. A firewall which prohibits outbound network traffic can help to stop some trojans from connecting and sending data. Windows firewall only deals with incoming traffic, not outbound.

I use commodo pro free firewall and that, combined with a hardware firewall (router) has kept me malware free for quite some time.

The previous post also assumes that no one will be hacked if they have no information on their system that a hacker would want. Nothing could be further from the truth. Many systems are turned into bots simply to send mass e-mail spam. Also, programs that assist hackers (trojans, etc) are out there on many so-called legitimate websites which will install by a simple drive by.

My AVG 8.0 caught and quarantined trojan zlob the other day installed from a sight where I was simply researching wholesale prices on a new appliance.

Windows firewall helps, but a good firewall like commodo is better.

[law99]

kev7555 is right, from everything I have read. Plus using a router & good antimalwares are needed.

Only turn off windows FW if you have a replacement, & only use one. There are several better free ones.