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#1
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Is Zone Alarm necessary with a DSL firewall?
My DSL company told me that since we activated their firewall (through my IE browser) I should deactivate Zone Alarm, because two were not needed.
I agree with that, but what is some expert opinions on this? I have AdAware, Spybot Search & Destroy, and run Housecall every 2 wks. My AV is run daily, and automatically updated as are Windows Updates automatically downloaded. Thus far, since owning this system (and before) I've had no serious malware, Virus, or Trojans. But, lately had a deluge of spam, which my DSL company says may indicate "This is a form of "spoofing" and I should clean my mailbox, because it won't go away if there's something in an email. But, my Grisoft AV checks my incoming and outgoing email...I think! Note: this was prior to upgrading my DSL modem to one that had a router in it. My system is HP dc5000 uT (Invent business desk top computer), running MS XP Pro, V2002, Service Pack 2. Thank you. |
#2
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Is Zone Alarm necessary with a DSL firewall?
You can deactivate ZA, but it is generally good practice to have both
a hardware firewall and a software firewall. ZA has an advantage over most in that it also blocks outgoing. "Pappion" wrote in message ... My DSL company told me that since we activated their firewall (through my IE browser) I should deactivate Zone Alarm, because two were not needed. I agree with that, but what is some expert opinions on this? I have AdAware, Spybot Search & Destroy, and run Housecall every 2 wks. My AV is run daily, and automatically updated as are Windows Updates automatically downloaded. Thus far, since owning this system (and before) I've had no serious malware, Virus, or Trojans. But, lately had a deluge of spam, which my DSL company says may indicate "This is a form of "spoofing" and I should clean my mailbox, because it won't go away if there's something in an email. But, my Grisoft AV checks my incoming and outgoing email...I think! Note: this was prior to upgrading my DSL modem to one that had a router in it. My system is HP dc5000 uT (Invent business desk top computer), running MS XP Pro, V2002, Service Pack 2. Thank you. |
#3
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Is Zone Alarm necessary with a DSL firewall?
Pappion wrote:
My DSL company told me that since we activated their firewall (through my IE browser) I should deactivate Zone Alarm, because two were not needed. I agree with that, but what is some expert opinions on this? Well, there are too many missing details here, but ... if your DSL router contains a NAT router, then the best situation it the NAT (a hardware firewall) backed up by a software firewall such as Zone Alarm. In fact, at the moment general concensus seems to be that NAT plus ZA is the best combination to have. So, if that's the case you should keep ZA. If however your ISP gave you some sort of software firewall in addition to the hardware NAT, then yes, one of the two software firewalls should be disabled. Which one is your decision; I already stated my opinion on ZA. I have AdAware, Spybot Search & Destroy, and run Housecall every 2 wks. My AV is run daily, and automatically updated as are Windows Updates automatically downloaded. Thus far, since owning this system (and before) I've had no serious malware, Virus, or Trojans. Continue. That's a decent arsenal that should serve you well. But, lately had a deluge of spam, which my DSL company says may indicate "This is a form of "spoofing" and I should clean my mailbox, because it won't go away if there's something in an email. But, my Grisoft AV checks my incoming and outgoing email...I think! Note: this was prior to upgrading my DSL modem to one that had a router in it. Whoever's telling you to clean your mailbox is an idiot. IFF you're infected, deleting an email won't get rid of it; that advice is BS. FWIW, there has been a large upswing in the amount of spam flying around lately so that's likely what you're seeing. Just about everyone is seeing it. But that has nothign to do with firewalls, spyware or viruses; spam is its own animal. My system is HP dc5000 uT (Invent business desk top computer), running MS XP Pro, V2002, Service Pack 2. Thank you. One parting word: It's usually "bad" to be scanning outgoing emails with antivirus. The reason is, for me, occasional problems and timeouts can cause mail to go to the Sent folder and to look like it went out when it actually did not. I've turned off my outgoing email scans for exactly that reason. Many will tell you to also kill the incoming scans of email, alluding to the fact that it's not needed because regular AV software will still catch it, but personally I've had no problems with scanning outgoing emails, nor has anyone else I know of. I'd rather catch it before it even hits my hard drive, so I leave the outgoing scans running. Ymmv of course, but that's my experience and I feel strongly about it. I suspect there will be a scream or two that I said I'd leave incoming scanning enabled; so be itg. Also, please switch to Plain Text for newsgroup posts; html should not be used in newsgroups for many reasons. HTH Pop` |
#4
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Is Zone Alarm necessary with a DSL firewall?
Pop` wrote:
Pappion wrote: My DSL company told me that since we activated their firewall (through my IE browser) I should deactivate Zone Alarm, because two were not needed. I agree with that, but what is some expert opinions on this? Well, there are too many missing details here, but ... if your DSL router contains a NAT router, then the best situation it the NAT (a hardware firewall) backed up by a software firewall such as Zone Alarm. In fact, at the moment general concensus seems to be that NAT plus ZA is the best combination to have. So, if that's the case you should keep ZA. If however your ISP gave you some sort of software firewall in addition to the hardware NAT, then yes, one of the two software firewalls should be disabled. Which one is your decision; I already stated my opinion on ZA. I have AdAware, Spybot Search & Destroy, and run Housecall every 2 wks. My AV is run daily, and automatically updated as are Windows Updates automatically downloaded. Thus far, since owning this system (and before) I've had no serious malware, Virus, or Trojans. Continue. That's a decent arsenal that should serve you well. But, lately had a deluge of spam, which my DSL company says may indicate "This is a form of "spoofing" and I should clean my mailbox, because it won't go away if there's something in an email. But, my Grisoft AV checks my incoming and outgoing email...I think! Note: this was prior to upgrading my DSL modem to one that had a router in it. Whoever's telling you to clean your mailbox is an idiot. IFF you're infected, deleting an email won't get rid of it; that advice is BS. FWIW, there has been a large upswing in the amount of spam flying around lately so that's likely what you're seeing. Just about everyone is seeing it. But that has nothign to do with firewalls, spyware or viruses; spam is its own animal. My system is HP dc5000 uT (Invent business desk top computer), running MS XP Pro, V2002, Service Pack 2. Thank you. One parting word: It's usually "bad" to be scanning outgoing emails with antivirus. The reason is, for me, occasional problems and timeouts can cause mail to go to the Sent folder and to look like it went out when it actually did not. I've turned off my outgoing email scans for exactly that reason. Many will tell you to also kill the incoming scans of email, alluding to the fact that it's not needed because regular AV software will still catch it, but personally I've had no problems with scanning outgoing emails, nor has anyone else I know of. I'd rather catch it before it even hits my hard drive, so I leave the outgoing scans running. Ymmv of course, but that's my experience and I feel strongly about it. I suspect there will be a scream or two that I said I'd leave incoming scanning enabled; so be itg. Also, please switch to Plain Text for newsgroup posts; html should not be used in newsgroups for many reasons. HTH Pop` NAT is not a firewall. http://kalsey.com/2003/10/nat_is_not_a_firewall/ gls858 |
#5
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Is Zone Alarm necessary with a DSL firewall?
gls858 wrote in
: NAT is not a firewall. http://kalsey.com/2003/10/nat_is_not_a_firewall/ gls858 Well, then the Windows 'FireWall' is not a firewall either, according to that definition, since it does not monitor outgoing data either. The author also states.....'I know someone will point out that my description of NAT is a gross simplification and isn’t entirely accurate, so I’m going to mention up front that I know that.' I also agree with the author that firewalling is a byproduct of NAT. So yes, NAT is not a true firewall, but you are 1000 times safer connecting your always-on broadband connection to a 'NAT device' than directly to a PC. DanS |
#6
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Is Zone Alarm necessary with a DSL firewall?
DanS wrote:
gls858 wrote in : NAT is not a firewall. http://kalsey.com/2003/10/nat_is_not_a_firewall/ gls858 Well, then the Windows 'FireWall' is not a firewall either, according to that definition, since it does not monitor outgoing data either. The author also states.....'I know someone will point out that my description of NAT is a gross simplification and isn’t entirely accurate, so I’m going to mention up front that I know that.' I also agree with the author that firewalling is a byproduct of NAT. So yes, NAT is not a true firewall, but you are 1000 times safer connecting your always-on broadband connection to a 'NAT device' than directly to a PC. DanS I agree. gls858 |
#7
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Is Zone Alarm necessary with a DSL firewall?
Thank you... and sorry about the html duh!
"Pop`" wrote in message ... Pappion wrote: My DSL company told me that since we activated their firewall (through my IE browser) I should deactivate Zone Alarm, because two were not needed. I agree with that, but what is some expert opinions on this? Well, there are too many missing details here, but ... if your DSL router contains a NAT router, then the best situation it the NAT (a hardware firewall) backed up by a software firewall such as Zone Alarm. In fact, at the moment general concensus seems to be that NAT plus ZA is the best combination to have. So, if that's the case you should keep ZA. If however your ISP gave you some sort of software firewall in addition to the hardware NAT, then yes, one of the two software firewalls should be disabled. Which one is your decision; I already stated my opinion on ZA. I have AdAware, Spybot Search & Destroy, and run Housecall every 2 wks. My AV is run daily, and automatically updated as are Windows Updates automatically downloaded. Thus far, since owning this system (and before) I've had no serious malware, Virus, or Trojans. Continue. That's a decent arsenal that should serve you well. But, lately had a deluge of spam, which my DSL company says may indicate "This is a form of "spoofing" and I should clean my mailbox, because it won't go away if there's something in an email. But, my Grisoft AV checks my incoming and outgoing email...I think! Note: this was prior to upgrading my DSL modem to one that had a router in it. Whoever's telling you to clean your mailbox is an idiot. IFF you're infected, deleting an email won't get rid of it; that advice is BS. FWIW, there has been a large upswing in the amount of spam flying around lately so that's likely what you're seeing. Just about everyone is seeing it. But that has nothign to do with firewalls, spyware or viruses; spam is its own animal. My system is HP dc5000 uT (Invent business desk top computer), running MS XP Pro, V2002, Service Pack 2. Thank you. One parting word: It's usually "bad" to be scanning outgoing emails with antivirus. The reason is, for me, occasional problems and timeouts can cause mail to go to the Sent folder and to look like it went out when it actually did not. I've turned off my outgoing email scans for exactly that reason. Many will tell you to also kill the incoming scans of email, alluding to the fact that it's not needed because regular AV software will still catch it, but personally I've had no problems with scanning outgoing emails, nor has anyone else I know of. I'd rather catch it before it even hits my hard drive, so I leave the outgoing scans running. Ymmv of course, but that's my experience and I feel strongly about it. I suspect there will be a scream or two that I said I'd leave incoming scanning enabled; so be itg. Also, please switch to Plain Text for newsgroup posts; html should not be used in newsgroups for many reasons. HTH Pop` |
#8
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Is Zone Alarm necessary with a DSL firewall?
On Tue, 7 Nov 2006 14:42:35 -0600, Pappion wrote:
My DSL company told me that since we activated their firewall (through my IE browser) I should deactivate Zone Alarm, because two were not needed. What kind of firewall does your ISP provide? The answer to that will help others to answer your question more accurately. -- Sharon F MS-MVP ~ Windows Shell/User |
#9
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Is Zone Alarm necessary with a DSL firewall?
I'll check...they told me to pen my IE and type in a few letters then "turn
it on..." Its a Siemens Speedstream 4200. Thank you. "Sharon F" wrote in message ... On Tue, 7 Nov 2006 14:42:35 -0600, Pappion wrote: My DSL company told me that since we activated their firewall (through my IE browser) I should deactivate Zone Alarm, because two were not needed. What kind of firewall does your ISP provide? The answer to that will help others to answer your question more accurately. -- Sharon F MS-MVP ~ Windows Shell/User |
#10
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Is Zone Alarm necessary with a DSL firewall?
I typed in 192.168.254.254 and a simple page opened to turn on the
"firewall." Does that help?? "Pappion" wrote in message ... I'll check...they told me to pen my IE and type in a few letters then "turn it on..." Its a Siemens Speedstream 4200. Thank you. "Sharon F" wrote in message ... On Tue, 7 Nov 2006 14:42:35 -0600, Pappion wrote: My DSL company told me that since we activated their firewall (through my IE browser) I should deactivate Zone Alarm, because two were not needed. What kind of firewall does your ISP provide? The answer to that will help others to answer your question more accurately. -- Sharon F MS-MVP ~ Windows Shell/User |
#11
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Is Zone Alarm necessary with a DSL firewall?
PS: they also told me I did not need to turn my computer off (electrically
via the surge suppressor as I've always done), and could safely leave it on all night--"it takes the same power to turn it on as it would leaving it on, and it's well protected, now." Comment??? "Pappion" wrote in message ... I typed in 192.168.254.254 and a simple page opened to turn on the "firewall." Does that help?? "Pappion" wrote in message ... I'll check...they told me to pen my IE and type in a few letters then "turn it on..." Its a Siemens Speedstream 4200. Thank you. "Sharon F" wrote in message ... On Tue, 7 Nov 2006 14:42:35 -0600, Pappion wrote: My DSL company told me that since we activated their firewall (through my IE browser) I should deactivate Zone Alarm, because two were not needed. What kind of firewall does your ISP provide? The answer to that will help others to answer your question more accurately. -- Sharon F MS-MVP ~ Windows Shell/User |
#12
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Is Zone Alarm necessary with a DSL firewall?
"Pappion" wrote in
: PS: they also told me I did not need to turn my computer off (electrically via the surge suppressor as I've always done), and could safely leave it on all night--"it takes the same power to turn it on as it would leaving it on, and it's well protected, now." Comment??? Great, another always on or shutdown at night controversy. 6 of 1/half- dozen of the other. But it takes the same amount of power to turn it on as it uses to leave it on all night ? That's just stupid. The 'more' power it takes to turn it on is for 1 or 2 seconds, making the HD's spin up, that's it. Which consequentially (sp.), may be happening many times during the on time anyway, if you have power-saving enabled. If your reason for turning it off is to save electricity, by all means, do so. |
#13
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Is Zone Alarm necessary with a DSL firewall?
Pappion wrote:
PS: they also told me I did not need to turn my computer off (electrically via the surge suppressor as I've always done), and could safely leave it on all night-- This question is asked periodically and usually garners all sorts of fervent responses, on both sides of the question. Some people never turn off their computers, claiming turning them off can cause the hardware to fail sooner. Others turn them on and off multiple times each day, to save electricity. My view is that it doesn't matter very much either way, and you should do what works best for you. Personally I power on once a day, when I get up in the morning, and power off once a day, when I go to bed at night. "it takes the same power to turn it on as it would leaving it on, But that is simply nonsense. Not at all true. -- Ken Blake - Microsoft MVP Windows: Shell/User Please reply to the newsgroup |
#14
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Is Zone Alarm necessary with a DSL firewall?
On Wed, 8 Nov 2006 13:59:15 -0600, Pappion wrote:
I typed in 192.168.254.254 and a simple page opened to turn on the "firewall." Does that help?? Okay, it sounds like you have a modem that includes NAT routing and a "firewall." Firewall is not actually a correct term for this what this is. It is not a hardware or software firewall but a type of technology that functions very similar to a firewall. At the very least I would also enable Windows built-in firewall (that's how I run on my home network). If you desire some finer granularity (control) of outbound traffic, then don't enable the Windows firewall and install a third party software solution such as Zone Alarm instead. In this scenario, Zone Alarm or similar would not interfere with what your modem/router is doing. As for not turning off the computer - I still do it. We get thunderstorms that can knock out expensive electronic equipment in the blink of an eye and occasionally enough wind to disrupt the power supply. Also... and this is just personal opinion... I think it's more "earth-friendly" to not consume power when you don't need to. -- Sharon F MS-MVP ~ Windows Shell/User |
#15
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Is Zone Alarm necessary with a DSL firewall?
Sharon F wrote in
: As for not turning off the computer - I still do it. We get thunderstorms that can knock out expensive electronic equipment in the blink of an eye and occasionally enough wind to disrupt the power supply. Also... and this is just personal opinion... I think it's more "earth-friendly" to not consume power when you don't need to. Many people don't realize that a quality UPS, not necessarily a huge one, just not a super-cheapy, have benefits beyond poer backup. They will protect as a surge protector as well as act as a line 'conditioner'. You know, like the $150 Monster surge protector/conditioners they try to sell you when you by a flat panel TV. You can get the same benefit from a sub-$100 (not $30) UPS. It doesn't need to be huge, as you really only need 10 or 15 minutes worth of power. Enough to keep you running for those short lived glitches of a minute or 2, and that also gives you plenty of time to shutdown your computer properly, instead of the power just dropping in the middle of extended disk access. |
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