Firewall

[seven2]

Hello
I have Win 7 x 64,and use MSE as my a/v program.
I also use MBAM and have a router.
I understand that virus can occur with the best security, yet I wondered if the native Win 7 firewall is what I should use?
I recently got a trojan that MSE removed and it got me thinking about firewalls.

I am only an average user so I do not know how to configure the native firewall.
I googled directions and it seems hard to et this firewall up.
is there an app or another firewall that I could use that would be easier to figure out?
If not and this is the easiest, I will accept it but if there is an easier yet effective option I would like to know. If it is not an app to make the native one easier, I suppose I should only run one firewall.
Thank you
Peter

 

[Jacee]

You can use the Windows 7 Firewall. Read this tutorial to help you understand how you can use it: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/542-windows-firewall-add-remove-exception.html

 

[seven2]

choices

I read the link and thank you.
Would it make sense to not allow a program you use in frequently?

Example, I use Revo but seldom. If I choose not allow and want to use it later will I be prompted to allow it if I want to use it?
This would keep more ports closed.

 

[damien76]

I do not use the Windows Firewall (have not actually liked it because I get confused with the logs) but I use Revo Uninstaller free. I set "my" firewall to block all connections from Revo as I update only manually.

 

[seven2]

Firewalls

My problem is that I don't understand Win 7 native firewall when it comes to what to allow etc and other choices. I don't think it is intuitive or user friendly. I guess I need to be pablum fed.
Thank you for your help.

 

[Jacee]

You can download the "FREE" version of Sphynx Firewall (for 32/64 bit sp1 Windows 7) from here: Windows7FirewallControl: Sphinx Software
Look in the middle column under Free, to see what it does.

 

[logicearth]

A Firewall is not for stopping malware that gets onto your computer. A firewall is to stop unwanted network traffic from reaching your computer. However, since you are behind a router, almost all unwanted traffic is already stopped at the router, it never makes it to your computer. The firewall would not stop malware from getting on your computer, that is not its purpose.

My advice, don't concern yourself with it. It is already setup for the best security and usability.

 

[seven2]

Firewalls

I appreciate the sugestion to leave the native firewall alone. That would simplify all.

1-If I clicked return to 'defaults', would each program that needs access, ask for it and I would slowly allow trffic for those I need or would I do harm so that some would never run again? I was thinking of defaulting then starting from scratch so to speak but not at the risk of causing harm. This way any errors would be corrected.

2- I will read about the link I was given and see if it something I could use - thank you.