[LBo] help

[Steve Hinsley]

Robert Spangler wrote:
> On Sun August 5 2007 13:29, Steve Hinsley wrote:
> 
>>  Ralph wrote:
>>  > Troy wrote:  If I am using a router, does that count as a firewall, or
>>  > is it still recommended to use a software firewall too?
>>  >
>>  > Some routers have firewalls built in, others do not.  If the router does
>>  > not have a firewall, then it is recommended to use a software firewall.
>>  >
>>  > RALPH
>>
>>  IMO a router is a firewall. All routers will block unsolicited traffic.
> 
> Not true.  It all depends on the router.
> 
> 
We are giving short answers to a question that requires some explanation.

A NAT router will protect you from attackers because it drops 
unsolicited traffic. It will be antiquate for most home users. What it 
will not do is protect your computer from other machines on the LAN. 
This is an issue if you take a laptop to a wireless hotspot.

I understood a software firewall to mean something like Smoothwall. 
While I think you do need something between you and the Internet, a 
dedicated firewall is over kill for the home user. A NAT router will 
protect you from the outside.

For information go here.
http://www.dslreports.com/faq/9787

Steve Hinsley