Is a Router a Firewall?

[dhinds]

I posted this in Viruses but I guess I should have been here with you learned folks. I have always heard that if you run your home network through a wireless router you don't need a firewall because the router is an automatic firewall. Is this true and is it safe to turn off all firewalls, winxp and norton in my case. Thanks

[dl65]

dhinds ......

don't need a firewall because the router is an automatic firewal

  Not so........ you must configure the router's firewall.

Refer to the product manual which should have been included

dl65 

[GX1_Man]

And you most likely don't need the XP firewall AND Norton. 

[dhinds]

I will look for the Routers manuel which I hope I still have. Thanjs bunchies for you advice. If I have problems I will post them here.

[dl65]

dhinds .... You should also be able to go to the router manufactures website and download the manaul you require.


dl65 

[patio]

Nice Katrina Hat ! !

[dhinds]

Thanks Patio for the compliment on my hat. It was fun to make.

[Raptor]

I posted this in Viruses but I guess I should have been here with you learned folks. I have always heard that if you run your home network through a wireless router you don't need a firewall because the router is an automatic firewall. Is this true and is it safe to turn off all firewalls, winxp and norton in my case. Thanks

Most modern Firewalls automatically 'stealth' ports, older firewalls might need to be configured manually. It is safe to say that any Router of [reputable] brand comes with a decent firewall that will automatically engage hence the option to forward or trigger ports which is only necessary when you're hosting something.

If you have a legal Norton license, use the Norton firewall, it allows for better program control. if your version is illegal or outdated get rid of it and use Windows XP firewall.

[dhinds]

Yes I have a legal Norton which is up for renewal in 53 days. I am really dissatisfied with Norton because I think it slows down my computer so much. I am considering AVG full version but that is probably a subject for another forum. I will turn on the Norton firewall and see if I see any performance drawbacks. thanks

[Raptor]

I really dislike Norton, it slows the system down and it does things without the users permission. The latter being the most strange behaviour I've ever seen of a computer application...