Is one firewall enough or multiple firewalls neccesary?

Answer 1

I know people that run both. There is no problem with running Hardware and Software firewalls.

Answer 2

Really one firewall should be enough. Are you talking hardware firewalls or software. A lot of people have a hardware firewall (built into a router or a stand alone) and still run software firewalls behind it. Not a bad idea because you can easily update software firewalls on the fly and monkey with their settings quickly.

Unless you are concerned about security, banks, gov't, etc. I think one firewall is enough. High security companies often have multiple levels of firewalls just to make it difficult for hackers.

Answer 3

Multiple software firewall are bad, they will cause conflict on your PC. The best protection you can have is to have 2 firewalls : one hardware firewall like a router and a software firewall like ZoneAlarm.

Answer 4

QK get 2. If your router comes with a built in firewall use it and use a non invasivesoftware firewall like zone alarm firewall it is free and popular. 2 firewalls are better than 1 :)

Conflicts are rare.

Joe.

Answer 5

Actually multiple software firewalls is a bad thing. Same goes for virus protection. For example, running Norton security suite and McAfee on the same operating system at the same time is bad. On the other hand running windows built-in firewall and Norton at the same time, windows should detect it and ask you if it's OK for it to shut off, to which I would say yes, the windows firewall can shut itself off. Just remember, it can't turn itself back on, in the event you uninstall the other one.
A properly set up, up to date firewall, virus protection, and privacy protection suite is what is important. Never turn them off when connected to the Internet, and after you do turn them off, say for an update, restart and scan your system. I normally suggest keeping the firewall set as tight as possible, without destroying your ability to function.

Answer 6

Multiple software firewalls are bad. They can conflict and leave you with less protection NOT more.

However, a single hardware firewall and a single software firewall is just about the best protection of your computer ports that there is.

Answer 7

I assume you are talking about home, and if I wanted to make sure I was secure I would make sure I had a hardware firewall and would also have a software firewall.

Answer 8

one hardware firewall is actually good enough.example of a hardware firewall is a router.if you have that, you dont actually need a software firewall.but if you want to be more secure.you can have a software firewall like zone alarm.hackers have to get through the router before they can get to you.

Answer 9

One firewall should suffice. I personally run ZoneAlarm and also run behind router firewall.

You can test your security at http://www.grc.com/default.htm

Under *Hot Spots* section click on ShieldsUp! At the bottom of the page click on "proceed." Click on "all service ports" and it will can your computer to see how effective your current firewall is.

You can download ZoneAlarm free here.

http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp

Hope that helps :)

Answer 10

One hardware and one software fire wall is recomended for a passive user, if you intend to be naughty on the web i suggest extra protection against return attacks.