Windows 7: Do I need an additional firewall?

Hi all,

Currently I'm using Comodo Internet Security as a firewall and I'm planning to build a home network using Windows 7 Homegroup and thought that Comodo might be an obstacle in doing that.

So my question is, as a normal home user of Windows 7, do I really need a 3rd party firewall other than Windows 7's firewall?

Hope this helps

Ken

Yes. I dont know what your setup is but you should have a NAT router and software firewalls on all computers. I dont know comodo's product, so I cant comment but I like eset smart security because it is both a real time antifvfirus/malware and a firewall.

Hi Salatino.

There should be no issue using CIS as your security program. If you need any advice, head over to the forums. Comodo Internet Security - CIS (Firewall, AV and Defense+)

If you are behind a Router with NAT and Win 7 firewall then you don't need 3rd party firewall except you want to monitor outbound traffic and no NAT.

I use Comodo firewall to monitor outbound traffic and use MS Anti virus.

If you know what you are doing Comodo might not be an obstacle at all.

Please read this tutorial about "Understanding Firewalls".
Understanding and Using Firewalls

Lawrence Abrams is an MS - Consumer Security - MVP

Well I can tell you what. The windows firewall can work just fine for most users. However I decided that instead of having two decent packages Avast Professional and Zone Alarm or Comodo installed I would buy one package thats the best at both Antivirus, SPyware, and Firewall today and that happens to be ESET Smart Security.

One vendor two Fantastic apps.

Need to thank Zig Zag on the recommendation working out great on RTM x64

I use Eset AV (love it) and Comodo CIS just for the firewall. They work quite well together. I like the way Comodo Firewall gives me easy control over outbound traffic (which is very important to me for various reasons) and it stealths everything quite well as far as I can tell from using security testing sites. Also it works well with Utorrent.

I might try Eset Smart Security some time soon as I would love to use one integrated product. But I'm just so comfortable with configuring and using Comodo and I have no real reason to make the switch atm. Also I am just not sure whether Eset's Firewall is quite as good as Comodo is at this point in time, although it might be. I just don't know. Need to try it out some time I guess.

Im using comodo right now but im planning on buying zone alarm as it has quite good reviews,i don't mind that it's more of a memory hog really.Just ordered a cheapish hardware firewall couple of days ago for £80 aswell.Im getting a bit paranoid these days i guess.I don't think you should use windows firewall,but it all depends with what you are happy with and gives you peace of mind at the end of the day.I remember seeing a small free little tool that lets you control outbound connections for windows firewall if i remember right.

Ditto....

A NAT enabled router + Win 7 Firewall + Good Anti-Virus will take care of most people.

If you want to block/control outbound traffic you will a 3rd party firewall.

Some additional security tools might include Spyware Blaster and Spybot Search & Destroy which provide some passive protection protocols.

Just keep in mind that Zone Alarm doesn't work with Vista x64 and I assume it won't work with Windows 7 x64. So if you currently use or are planning in the future on using an x64 system, Zone Alarm is not a good choice.