I currently have a home network consisting of 2 desktops and 1 laptop. My router has a built in firewall. I do dabble in small business, but at the moment it is very sporadic. I'm also in the process of setting up a very similar network for my girlfriend's daughter. She does own a small business and is doing well enough to support herself. My question is what are the benefits of adding a software firewall? I know it would be an additional security, but is it worth it? Should a business (no matter how big or small) use both? The daughter is very concerened about viruses, hacking, etc. and I'm trying to put her mind at ease. My thought is that a hardware firewall is enough, but maybe I'm misinformed from my readings. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

When all else fails, beat the %*#$! out of it!!!

old saying that goes "u can never be too safe"

keep in mind anytime when dealing with computers.i remember years ago when viruse werent that big of a thing and 5years ago they were and still are,,now u got spyware adware malware trackings and all sorts of crap just waiting to hit an unprotected victim so heres my advice:

check your firmware version and list the name of brand of router u have or going to get if u want in this post,

a one hell of a great software firewall is zonealarmpro with web filtering this bad boy configured right will stop all popups 3rd party crap viruses trojans worms.and will hide your ip address as well as ban out websites that are highrated and/or risky like porn sites hack sites and more to choose from...very effective software for business and a great backup to your hardware firewall..reason i say this is i done alot of control infections on a test computer to see just what programs find and delete them and what blocks them out..

now for the real antivirus protection it doesnt get any better that avg 6.0...avg 7.0..if you buy...

but the avg 6.0 is free for all their goal is the stop all these viruses and crap peps get and i started useing it 5.5yrs ago and havent looks back abit..avg insures 100% detection rate and is backed by leading labs on it..i highly recommend checking it out..here is website.once u try it u going to love it.

www.grisoft.com..click download look on lefthand side click avg 6.0 free ed.and follow instructions.

next is ad-ware: this program configured right will detect all spyware malware adware crap that sneaks in on your computer..check this out as well but with those firewalls chances are u wont need it but its free and never hurts.

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/

good luck hope this helps ya out in chooseing what is best for you, your friends, and businesses.

if it helps any all the businesses i service have avg on them and zonealarmpro..none have reported any viruses or other stuff.

viruskiller
Thanks for the great post
I have a netgear wireless WGR614 router and am planning on Linksys wireless for my girlfriend's daughter. I already have spybot and ad-aware installed on her computer. Thanks for the freeware virus protector. Currently (as I said) she is making a living at web design and any money saved is a BIG help. I've heard of zonealarm and it seems like a lot of people on this forum like it. Any additional input from anyone again would be appreciated for any other advice.

When all else fails, beat the %*#$! out of it!!!

A hardware firewall will mask your computers IP and make it appear to the rest of the internet as a different number. Also, a firewall (hardware) will also filter ports to prevent unwanted programs from commmunicating via the net. A software firewall typically only blocks ports, without masking your IP. The software firewall identifies programs by name. An example is yahoomessenger.exe (a chat program) Would be authorized for the net. Newer viruses will name themselves after common programs for internet access. So, to sum up, hardware is the best. Also, download these, update them, and schedule to run atleast once a week.
Ad-Aware
SpyBot
Spyware Blaster
Windows Update
This should be more than effiecent. Also go here and run the shields up test on all ports to see how secure your PC is from internet intrusion.

You should have an anti-virus as well.

Thanks
My computer has all of what you mentioned
I just recently tested spyware blaster on mine (and am very satisfied with it). I do plan on putting it on her daughter's computer the next time I go over there. She had a virus protection, but recently expired and hasn't renewed yet. I knew there was a freeware virus protector out there (avg). Does anyone else have any additional input with this virus protector (whether positive or negative)
Thanks

When all else fails, beat the %*#$! out of it!!!

I agree with most of the recommendations that the other members posted except for avg as being the best.I have personaly used avg,and it is a good antivirus,but if you want the best pay antivirus outthere to protect your investment, I would recommend NOD32,or KASPERSKY.And for a trojan scanner i would recommend TDS.NOD32 has won the most virus bulletin awards outthere,and there virus scanner is the fastest outthere.I have been asked the same question on which antivirus is the best outthere about a million times from family,friends,customers,and I always recommend those 3 listed. PEACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi angrymen2001
At home I have a network of three computers behind a router. On my computer I have Panda AV and on the kids computers I have AVG, and of course all have SpywareGuard and SpywareBlaster.
Also I have Sygate on all computers in case something would get past the router (a malicious D/L etc) for protection within the network.

Nigel

ah yes i agree with joe but most of the peps on here want free rather than paid..NOD32 av looks good and responds well..but then again so does avg paid versions..depends on if u want network, pro, email..the version that suites your needs..but by far for free and lasting over 5years now with steady updates is AVG..

2 wonderful softwares with different marketing techniques...

Many Thanks to all!!!
If other's post, I will still be listening

When all else fails, beat the %*#$! out of it!!!

If you pick up a trojan or a spyware program, a software firewall may be your first indication you have a problem.

The firewall will ask you if you want to allow the connection (assuming it is configured properly).

Many legit programs also may try to call home, regardless of if you want them to or not. A firewall blocks these also.