Windows 7 - Firewalls & Internet Security

Hi Patrick,

What I use is Windows Firewall and Avast Home..It's free and very light on the system. It has a network shield that has saved me more than once, among 6 other providers and has an anti spyware module and rootkit detector as well. I find WF and Avast to be very good in overall protection IMO.
There are also some good antispyware programs that work well with Avast and can be used as supplements to it. Malwarebytes is a very good free program, also Spybot SD has real time protection and works just fine along side Avast as well as Win Defender. You just have to run Spybot in Vista Compatibilty mode and run it as an adminstrator.

Just my opinion, letting you know what works good for me.

I use windows firewall and nod32 av. You could try the beta of nod32 smart security to see if its to your liking.

ESET Smart Security Beta Program

Airbot - Good Advice! I chose AVG Anti-Virus (Home User is Free), I have the Windows Firewall on, and I am running Windows Defender alongside. I have a Cable Modem feeding the Internet to my Home Wireless Network through a router - A hardware Firewall. My ISP filters Spam, Virus scans and I don't instant Message. I think therefore, that I don't need the electronic Firewall of Internet Security Programs. Thank You Guys for your recommendations. Also Swarfega I looked at the ESET Smart Security Beta program specifications and although real good I think I am covered with what I have. Thanks to You both - God's Speed - Patrick C

In a nutshell, Routers that have Network Address Translation (NAT) "can" be configured to "act" as a Firewall (i.e. NAT Firewall, Hardware Firewall, Network Firewall or Stand Alone Firewall).

Most home routers come configured as NAT enabled by default. NAT enabled is not synonymous to Firewall Enabled. It simply means that it is ready to perform network address translations and normally common ports if not all are mostly open. Only by configuring NAT is it able to perform/act as a proper firewall.

This is where personal/software firewall comes in. These little marvels are above most, user-friendly and easy to configure and comes with integrated virus protection, traffic analyzers, intrusion detection and application blockers/malware protection among other things.

Unfortunately, only industrial grade Routers like that of what Cisco is offering to corporate environments can claim to be sufficient and able to act as an all-in-one firewall solution to keep network computer safe.

That is why having a good personal/software firewall is essential to pick-up where your home router is lacking.

I hope this was not too much of a read for you

Aaron and swarfegy already shared their personal preferences on software firewall applications to use.

Cheers

+1 on the Avast+Win Firewall. It's all about behavior really in avoiding threats and those two work just fine especially if your behind a router with a firewall also.

A software firewall program is always more protection .... being behind a router just isn't enough with the malware that's on the Internet in today's surfing.

NosferatuX - Good Morning! Your input was great and contained some of the details I have been looking for. I have a Linksys WRT160N (B,G, & N) router. I checked into it and found that it has a "Filter Internet NAT Redirction" setting. Also there is also "Filter Anonymous Internet requests", Filter Multicast", & "Filter IDENT (Port 113)". I can also filter my MAC address as an added layer of security. I am using 'WAP2 Personal' Security, so I think I am covered. Thanks for the distinctions so I have been able to make sure I am covered. The issue now becomes if I ever use my Laptop elsewhere. Always another opportunity with computers!?!? Thank You, Weedmonk, & Jacee for your inputs - God's Speed - Patrick C

Airbot - You were right AVAST seems to be a much better interface. I used AVG for a day but I decided to try AVAST. I also installed Vista SP2 Beta. Went right into Vista Ultimate 64. I realize I can't compare before AVAST to after but I like new stuff. Patrick C

Glad you found a solution that works for you.