AnimeSuki Forums

OceanBlue · 2009-06-02, 18:42

I want to test how secure my computer is so I can decide on whether to go with purely a router firewall or both that and my current software firewall. I've used GRC's and Audit My PC's, and I want to know if there's another one I should know of.

WanderingKnight · 2009-06-02, 19:24

If you have any Linux boxes available, or a friend that has one, nmap is a great choice.

Either way, I would highly suggest getting a router.

OceanBlue · 2009-06-02, 19:27

Well, I already have a router, and if I can avoid using my software firewall without any problems, then I would do it.

WanderingKnight · 2009-06-02, 19:34

A hardware router is a great way of narrowing down the ports that stay open to the outside world. In most home use cases, no port stays open for incoming requests. If you use BitTorrent, you would probably want to open a high-number random port in order to enable inbound peer requests.

But yes, a router in most cases nullifies the need for a software firewall, since ports are already blocked at the out-facing IP address.

SaintessHeart · 2009-06-04, 04:04

Since you have a router I would suggest that you just install an antivirus of your choice (Avast, Norton or AVG) and clean up your computer on a regular basis. That should help you avoid some devastating losses caused by hackers and random acts of malice.

chikorita157 · 2009-06-04, 19:50

Another note, most free anti-viruses except Avira have poor detection rates and high false positive rates, so I advise avoiding them. Also, most common cause of malware installation is the user is using a administrator account (Firewall won't help in this case) which makes malware installation alot easier and can be prevented by not using a administrator account.

Software firewalls are usually cause more trouble than not using them since it becomes pain in a neck when you start using p2p programs or downloading off IRC. This is because you must manually set these ports and they are usually unnecessary when you are connected to a router. Software routers are more useful if you hooked up directly to a dsl/cable modem because you are directly connected to the internet.

2009-06-02, 18:42	Link #1
OceanBlue Not an expert on things Join Date: Jun 2007	Firewall Testing I want to test how secure my computer is so I can decide on whether to go with purely a router firewall or both that and my current software firewall. I've used GRC's and Audit My PC's, and I want to know if there's another one I should know of.

2009-06-02, 19:24	Link #2
WanderingKnight Gregory House IT Support Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina Age: 35	If you have any Linux boxes available, or a friend that has one, nmap is a great choice. Either way, I would highly suggest getting a router. __________________ Place them in a box until a quieter time \| Lights down, you up and die.

2009-06-02, 19:34	Link #4
WanderingKnight Gregory House IT Support Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina Age: 35	A hardware router is a great way of narrowing down the ports that stay open to the outside world. In most home use cases, no port stays open for incoming requests. If you use BitTorrent, you would probably want to open a high-number random port in order to enable inbound peer requests. But yes, a router in most cases nullifies the need for a software firewall, since ports are already blocked at the out-facing IP address. __________________ Place them in a box until a quieter time \| Lights down, you up and die.

2009-06-04, 04:04	Link #5
SaintessHeart NYAAAAHAAANNNNN~ Join Date: Nov 2007 Age: 35	Since you have a router I would suggest that you just install an antivirus of your choice (Avast, Norton or AVG) and clean up your computer on a regular basis. That should help you avoid some devastating losses caused by hackers and random acts of malice. __________________ When three puppygirls named after pastries are on top of each other, it is called Eclair a'la menthe et Biscotti aux fraises avec beaucoup de Ricotta sur le dessus. Most of all, you have to be disciplined and you have to save, even if you hate our current financial system. Because if you don't save, then you're guaranteed to end up with nothing.

2009-06-04, 19:50	Link #6
chikorita157 ひきこもりアイドル IT Support Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Pennsylvania , United States Age: 34	Another note, most free anti-viruses except Avira have poor detection rates and high false positive rates, so I advise avoiding them. Also, most common cause of malware installation is the user is using a administrator account (Firewall won't help in this case) which makes malware installation alot easier and can be prevented by not using a administrator account. Software firewalls are usually cause more trouble than not using them since it becomes pain in a neck when you start using p2p programs or downloading off IRC. This is because you must manually set these ports and they are usually unnecessary when you are connected to a router. Software routers are more useful if you hooked up directly to a dsl/cable modem because you are directly connected to the internet. __________________ Chikorita157's Anime Blog \| Atelier Shiori (Personal Sideblog) \| Tumblr \| Twitter

2009-06-02, 19:27	Link #3
OceanBlue Not an expert on things Join Date: Jun 2007	Well, I already have a router, and if I can avoid using my software firewall without any problems, then I would do it.