Firewall Really Necessary?

Original Message

Name: Sanjik
Date: August 11, 2007 at 21:24:27 Pacific
Subject: Firewall Really Necessary?
OS: NA
CPU/Ram: NA
Model/Manufacturer: NA

Comment:

Hey guys,
Long ago I stopped using auto protect virus programs and firewalls because they were kinda slowing me down and sometimes just annoying.
Since then I will scan using a free online virus scanner, ad aware, and spybot.
Now I dont go to any random websites and for quite a while now I've had no viruses/spyware/adware on this particular system so im wondering, for someone like me is it really recommended to have a firewall anyway?
I mean im sure a hacker could get into any system depending on how hard they try but how 'in the line of fire' am I as is?
Appreciate any knowledgable advice, thanks guys.
ASUS A7N8X-E Deluxe Mobo
AMD Athlon XP 2800+
1gb DDR400 Ram.
Geforce 6800 LE overclocked.
400-450W Power Supply?

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Response Number 1

Name: XpUser
Date: August 12, 2007 at 06:02:18 Pacific
Subject: Firewall Really Necessary?

Reply: (edit)

It all depends on your diligence and risk tolerance. Some people think you do need FW while others disagree.
For myself I'm like you - I dont go to any random websites nor do I click blindly on links but on one PC the FW have intercepted 308 potential threats that I wasn't aware of. It won't hurt to have a second lock. It's your call.
i_Xp/VistaUser

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Response Number 2

Name: XpUser
Date: August 12, 2007 at 06:19:37 Pacific
Subject: Firewall Really Necessary?

Reply: (edit)

As for the question because they were kinda slowing me down
Mine don't at all. What FW have you been using?
i_Xp/VistaUser

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Response Number 3

Name: Sanjik
Date: August 12, 2007 at 20:00:59 Pacific
Subject: Firewall Really Necessary?

Reply: (edit)

Well maybe its just me being really picky about having anything open in the background (hence i try to stop unneeded services, go to msconfig and disable most startup items, etc)
I just dont like zone alarm for example because in my mind (i could be wrong) its giving me that extra latency during a game, or giving me problems (one ive ran into a few times is that i cant get on the internet until i re-plug in my ethernet and do some other things i forgot before it comes up with "New network found" and lets me back on)
Ill give it another shot I guess, good to learn anyway im guessing.
As for norton auto protect and virus applications that have constant protection, im staying away from that, it slows you down because its always checking what youre about to open, install, etc
ASUS A7N8X-E Deluxe Mobo
AMD Athlon XP 2800+
1gb DDR400 Ram.
Geforce 6800 LE overclocked.
400-450W Power Supply?

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