So is a router also a type of defence

[cadburysfingers]

I have read in a few places over the last 24 hours, that if I have a router, that I dont need a firewall if running Windows XP Home Edition. My router is a ZyXEL Prestige 600 series, and it connects me to the pc via an ethernet cable. Caan anyone else confirm this is the case, as I am contemplating using Sygate firewall, but it seems pointless if this isnt necessary.

[rspassey]

Though a router is another type of defence, you'll still need a firewall. The included XP SP2 firewall will do the trick, but Sygate will also.

[cadburysfingers]

Originally Posted by ryan124712 Though a router is another type of defence, you'll still need a firewall. The included XP SP2 firewall will do the trick, but Sygate will also.

Thank you for that, so as long as I have Windows XP Home Edition, the firewall contained within that is all I need? If this is the case is that firewall automatically configured, or do I have to configure it myself? Sorry for all the questions, I am having a few problems at the moment, so have decided to completely wipe my hard drive and start again, this time I want to get everything right from the start, hence all the questions. Cheers again for your invaluable help.

[thefultonhow]

You have to install Service Pack 2 to get the good firewall, but yes, that should work fine.

FWIW, I ran with just a router and no firewall on several PCs for a couple of years and never had a problem. It certainly doesn't hurt to have another layer of defense though.

[cadburysfingers]

Originally Posted by thefultonhow You have to install Service Pack 2 to get the good firewall, but yes, that should work fine. FWIW, I ran with just a router and no firewall on several PCs for a couple of years and never had a problem. It certainly doesn't hurt to have another layer of defense though.

Thanks again, I am amazed you are able to answer all my trivial questions , I presume you work in the IT/computor sector.

[thefultonhow]

I actually do, as a matter of fact. A lot of the senior members on this site also do.

[rspassey]

Originally Posted by thefultonhow FWIW, I ran with just a router and no firewall on several PCs for a couple of years and never had a problem. It certainly doesn't hurt to have another layer of defense though.

I've tried this too (with my Smoothwall) and the results have been the same; however, just like you say, another layer of defence can never hurt.

[Staren]

The router itself is more then enough protection for outside threats. The point of a software firewall is to protect each computer from something inside the network. Say for example a laptop that picked up something nasty while connected to a hotspot. A software firewal would keep anything from spreding. If all you have are desktops that don't go outside the router, then you could very well run without a software firewall with no problems. However, if any computers come in and out, then keeping Windows Firewall on is the safe way to go.

Just thought I'd give a bit more explination.

[cadburysfingers]

Originally Posted by Staren The router itself is more then enough protection for outside threats. The point of a software firewall is to protect each computer from something inside the network. Say for example a laptop that picked up something nasty while connected to a hotspot. A software firewal would keep anything from spreding. If all you have are desktops that don't go outside the router, then you could very well run without a software firewall with no problems. However, if any computers come in and out, then keeping Windows Firewall on is the safe way to go. Just thought I'd give a bit more explination.

Thank you, so as we download the occasional tv prog via a bittorrent client we need the firewall?

[glc]

Well, any time you are downloading copyrighted material illegally you have some element of risk - what you get may not be what you think you are getting. Better put everything you download through a virus scanner before touching it.

[cadburysfingers]

Originally Posted by glc Well, any time you are downloading copyrighted material illegally you have some element of risk - what you get may not be what you think you are getting. Better put everything you download through a virus scanner before touching it.

Thank you. The site we download from (UKNova) says the material is legal, they dont have anything on there that is comercially available. Although I appreciate all tv progs do have some form of copyright attached to them. Its stuff like documentaries and that sort of stuff we watch, hence there isnt a rush to stick it out on DVD as there is no demand.