Re: Do I need a firewall?

Mike Hall (MS-MVP) wrote:
> S,
>
> Netgear (or any other make) routers are of no value to dialup users..

Who said anything about dial-up? The OP didn't and I have a 2MB DSL
connection.


> I have McAfee 8 suite running.. McAfee 8/2005 is one of the new
> 'smart' firewalls.. I looked in the list of programs with internet
> capability, and I have to tell you that there is way more there than
> P2P programs.. one or two entries are simple games that, when
> installed, gave no indication that they were internet enabled.. they
> aren't now because I have blocked them, but I would not have known
> had McAfee not warned me..

I wouldn't put McAfee (or Norton IS) on any system of mine if I was given
it.

> I think that it is as important to know what is going out, or
> thinking about going out, as what is coming in..

Oh I agree, that's why my router sends me email every five minutes and
alerts me instantly to any threats.

>
> When Microsoft were sending out SP1a CDs to those who requested them,
> they also sent out a CD that contained CA's EZ Armor LE suite.. I
> also saw a statement by Microsoft to the effect that the XP firewall
> was included such that when XP was initially loaded, it could be
> updated without fear until a full security package could be
> installed.. neither of these actions suggest that a software firewall
> is of little value..

I disagree. A software firewall is paper, a hardware one, reinforced
concrete.

> McAfee and Norton have always built a list of internet ready programs
> as part of the setup routine, and there has always been the option of
> blocking one or more on the list.. I will admit that older versions
> have not always been the most intuitive of programs to set up, but
> many have benefited from their presence even in 'default' form..

Michael, I had you down as an intelligent guy - if you're saying you like
Norton, I'm going to have to rethink my opinion of you....

> For all of the years I have been involved in computing and outside
> connections, I still prefer to have notification of what is happening
> so that I don't have to always rely on my wits.. the concept that
> only newbies require such notification is plain stupid and elitist..

I never said that - that's what the email alerts are for, you brain dead
idiot. ;o)

> The argument that companies do not entertain personal firewalls is
> not valid either.. companies set a platform that the operator is not
> allowed to alter in any way.. they invariably connect to intranets,
> and the network admin will ensure that only trusted sites are allowed
> outside of that.. in many cases, network admin will get software
> updates away from the intranet and then make them available such that
> each operator can update without having to connect to www..

You are talking to a former network administrator. Before I became ill, I
was one for nearly a decade. In all that time I *NEVER* implemented a
software firewall and I was responsible for four servers which served 100
workstations.

> Re. SP2 (for the benefit of others as you has it installed and
> working).. not installing SP2 is like turning down free aftermarket
> fitment of side impact airbags to your old car.. removing SP2 is like
> asking a car dealer to remove side impact airbags from your new car
> because the extra weight increases fuel consumption..

I am not arguing about SP2, SP2 is not this issue. I am arguing software vs
hardware firewalls and I know that, as a former network admin, which side I
fall on.

> Arguments that SP2 slows a system to a crawl are only true of
> machines that were borderline fast as a result of luck more than
> judgement.. if XP users want more speed, TURN OFF THE EYE CANDY.. so
> XP will look like Windows 2000 or ME.. who cares!!!!!!!!!!!!.. racing
> cars don't have passenger seats, electric sunroofs, carpet in the
> trunk to save weight, thereby increasing the power to weight ratio..
> they replace luxury with roll cages and fire extinguisher systems..
> SAFETY ITEMS..


You're preaching to the converted....

I really don't want to fall out with you, but most of what you've said is
unadulterated drivel...



--
In memory of MS MVP Alex Nichol: http://www.dts-l.org/


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