I recently have installed a free Avast Anti Virus 2015 software.I was using a complete Avast Anti Virus 2011 software before but a BSOD Physical Memory Dump Issue corrupted the Anti Virus after a system restore.
Now,i a using a free anti Virus.So,do i need to have a seperate Firewall Software installed for complete protection or only the Free Anti Virus would be enough...
More is often better, and it depends on the sites you visit ... but I find Avast Free and a router (hardware firewall) are sufficient for me.
I would suggest using the anti virus program of you choice and built in Windows 7 firewall.
Just go to Start Orb and type in firewall and make sure the firewall is turned on.
Windows Firewall
Agreed, you should verify that Windows Firewall is enabled. FYI, the biggest difference with Windows Firewall compared to some other third-party FW's is that it allows ALL outbound connections by default, meaning all programs are allowed to make connections to other devices and the Internet.
Inbound connections are blocked by default except for essential networking functions required by Windows and other installed software.
It's possible to also restrict outbound connections but it's only recommended for tech-savvy users as it's not as user friendly as some third-party FW's with functionality for automatic whitelisting of trusted files and generating alerts that asks to allow or block outbound connections. But there are great third-party programs that adds this functionality to Windows Firewall, for example WFC.
Routers
A router can block ALL traffic coming from the Internet. If you do a port scan like ShieldsUp and you have no open ports in the router it means the port scan only communicates with the router and won't even get as far as testing your computers firewall.
If you're behind a router blocking all traffic from the Internet then your PC's firewall will only see traffic coming from other devices on your local network (LAN). If you check the firewall log for incoming traffic you probably won't see much traffic, but if you look at the router log you'll most likely see lots of traffic and different kinds of "attacks" every day. That's what happens with devices directly connected to the Internet. Not recommended for computers.
@ RogerR , RoasterMen , Layback Bear Thanks to all of you guys.I am relieved now to see you guys recommending the use of my regular Free Anti Virus & The Windows Firewall , as a regular Firewall.I hope that by "Router Firewall", you mean the actual "Windows Firewall".Although,i am unsure if they both means the same.I am not very knowledgeable in this area...
@ Tookeri Thank you for such an extensive explanation.I am relieved now , to use my Free Anti Virus + The Windows Firewall as a combination for Virus/Malware protection
The guy who repaired my laptop,did suggested to start using my old Full Avast Anti Virus 2011 again.But i am too scared to try , as i don't wish to see a BSOD Dumping Physical Memory issue again.That is why i am only sticking to a Free Anti Virus now...
You're welcome! But my main advice was to use a router so you're extra protected.
I can't see that the term "Router Firewall" has been used previously, but it doesn't mean Windows Firewall. It refers to the firewall in the router. A router(hardware) should be the only thing directly connected to the Internet. Then all computers etc connected to the router via cable or encrypted Wi-Fi, are also protected by the firewall in the router.
@ Tookeri Got ya Mr.Tookeri :)
Thumbs up for this resourceful Information.
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