DSL and Firewall

[migoblu]

I have DSL. When I first got setup for DSL with my local phone company, I was told not to install or run a firewall or the firewall would not allow the DSL modem to connect to the DSL service. Which I found out was correct when I mistakenly installed the firewall that comes with McAfee Internet Security 6 (MIS6). After I disabled the firewall all was good and the DSL modem connected. I had some phone and line issues with the DSL modem that have been corrected by installing a filter on the phone and the phone company upgraded my DSL modem, at which time they said I should have a firewall installed. When I reminded them that they told me not to have a firewall installed and running, and any time I have called their Tech Support they have always asked if a firewall was installed and running, and if it (the firewall) was running to removed it. They have now said a firewall will not cause the DSL modem not to connect. I removed and reinstalled MIS6 with the firewall installed and running, and the DSL would not connect. After removing the firewall all is good. I tried to download the free ZoneAlarm firewall, but it would not load because it gave a message about compatibility issues with MIS6. Anybody have any ideas of how to get a firewall installed and running that will not block the DSL modem? Thanks for any help.

[Lamilia]

just get a anti virus and anti spyware program and run them regularly

[Byte 2.0]

What OS, DSL modem, USB or Ethernet?

Who is your DSL provider?

[migoblu]

I am running XP Home. I'll have to get wait until I get home from work to tell you what the DSL router/modem is. The phone company replaced it with a newer one. The old DSL router/modem was a Broadmax (Ethernet/USB). The new DSL outer/modem is Ethernet. I installed XP SP2 but had so many problems that I had to uninstall it. My DSL provider is CT Commuinications (CTCN.net).

[glc]

If your DSL modem is also a router, it acts as a hardware firewall.

I'd recommend you not use McAfee Internet Security - it, like Norton, can be the source of a lot of issues. Both of them can break more than they fix.

I'd find out why SP2 is causing you problems - you have to make sure your system is squeaky clean (no viruses, trojans, spyware, etc.) before installing - the SP2 firewall is actually not bad. Do not try to run a 3rd party software firewall if the XP (any version) firewall is enabled, they can conflict.

[migoblu]

Thanks for the info.

[migoblu]

In reply to Byte 2.0 my DSL modem is a Comtrend Model CT-507.

[glc]

That model is a router, so you have a hardware firewall.

[migoblu]

Thanks for the info glc. By the way I am a bit confused on what a firewall will block. I get a lot of spam eventhough I run the McAfee Internet Security 6 spam blocker, doesn't a firewall block spam?

[Statica]

A firewall : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firewall_%28networking%29 will not stop spam. Spam is something you get in your email, which is a trusted entity to begin with. Your only hope is to ask your ISP or email provider to run some sort of antispam software, or run some yourself (if you still get spam, then your antispam scripts aren't good enough) and change your browsing habits (if you are in the habit of giving your personal email ID on websites).