firewall question

[kia027]

if you have a few computers networked through a router and that router has a firewall, is it necessary to have a firewall on the individual computers as long as a) the router software is updated regularly and b) the portable computers are not connecting to the net outside of the router?
[img]/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]
please and thank you

[Rebycman]

Re: firewall question

For most users this should be fine. The problem occurs when your laptop gets exposed to a virus outside of your home network, then when you plug your laptop into your home network you can infect all machines connected. For the average home user its ok, but you may want to consider a software firewall like zonealarm as a second line of defense.

BTW Routers don't often need updates (flashing firmware) unless they have a critical flaw (like wireless routers).

Regards,

-Reby

[kia027]

Re: firewall question

what is the flaw with wireless routers other than the inherent one with wep enabling ?

[Rebycman]

Re: firewall question

It varies based on the router but mostly the problems occur with unsecured wireless access or default username/passwords on the routers. Just check your routers website from time to time and check for critical updates (say every 6 months or so). Really about the only time most users go check for firmware updates is when some feature isnt working and/or they are doing some research on a supported feature.

Regards,

-Reby

[kia027]

Re: firewall question

Reby thanks.. I thought this was the case but wanted to make sure [img]/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

run gawn check for firmware upgrade as it has been about 6 months