Why do i need more than the Windows firewall if....

[dustinfrank]

Why do i need more than the Windows firewall if i'm behind a router (wired desktop and wireless laptop) and on that router i've turned on the encryption (to prevent all the wireless squaters) and I'm using the MAC filter to only allow traffic from my two machines. I've come back to Comodo after nothing but the Windows firewall since i installed Ultimate back in March for no other reason but the thinking, "gee, i guess i should have something better running on here".. But i'm once again very annoyed with all the alerts from Comodo (not in learning mode either) and i'm ready to ditch it, again. i know the Windows firewall lacks outbound protection (right?), but my basic question is given the hardware i'm behind, does the firewall truly even matter?

Your expert opinions are much appreciated. I love computers and educating myself about them, but it is certainly not my profession.

Thanks for indulging,
Dustin

 

[joel406]

Hello dustinfrank. Having a good hardware as well as software firewall is always a good idea.

The Vista firewall is more then just inbound protection, it also will filter outbound as well as setting special rules for apps and web-sites.

You should also have a good anti-virus and at least 2 or 3 good spyware apps, such as spybot, a-squared and boclean.

Your under constant risk if you fail to take the proper steps to protect yourself.

There is no one magic bullet that will protect you. No firewall, av or spyware app is 100% effective.

Hope that helped.