How secure is this setup?

[dmiddl]

I had Road Runner installed yesterday and I'm kind of wondering just how secure my info is now that i'm online all the time.

I run the eTrust EZ Antivrus program (automaically updated) and the Zone Alarm free firewall. My copy of ZA is really old but every time I run Gibson's Shields Up program it reports my computer is in Full Steath mode. Also run the Google toolbar with the popup stopper actuated. Seems to work great.

The tech who installed Road Runner said the most secure method is to install a router for my stand-alone computer.

All comments appreciated.

[largosama]

Zone Alarm has been reported to have problems with some programs due to its security measure i guess. If you do not have a home network, then there is no need for a router because you have a software firewall already. Just update it and you should be fine although I personally prefer the hardware ones that work automatically and silently (just need to port forward for your favorite applications).

[HAL9000]

Why run the free ZA basic when you have the e-Trust software... it comes with ZA Pro.

[Panama Red]

If Shields Up days you are stealth mode, your software firewall is working. A router would be redundant somewhat as it would simply add a hardware firewall. Nice if you plan to network, but unnecessary with your current system.

[mairving]

Some of RR new modems have NAT (firewall) built into them also.

[dmiddl]

Hal9000, I don't have the Etrust Armor suite, only the eTrust Antivirus. Costs me $9.95 per year. It's a replacement for the old free ????Personal Edition.
PanamaRed, I guess the RR installer was telling me that a hardware firewall is more secure than a software firewall. I may go for it sometime, just for the ezperience of working with a router.
mairving, apparently mine doesn't because the installer didn't mention it and there is no documentation with it.

Thanks, All

[HAL9000]

They have a new package released that is free right now that includes the AV and the firewall.

[dmiddl]

Thanks for the heads-up about the new eTrust package. I wonder if it's any better than what I have now - ? And I expect it will not be free after the one year is up. Maybe I will try it. CA is a big player and their eTrust Antivirus has been very good.

[glc]

It's the very same antivirus with the addition of ZA Pro. Renewal cost has not been announced as far as I know.