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Firewalls!

16 years ago

Here my concern and question. It just seems lately or maybe it's just me, there has been a rash of email hijacks and bogus virus flying around. I just want to protect my machine.

I am running a vista 64X ( not windows 7 ) with MS security essentials. Does anyone know if this has a firewall built into it ...if so is it a two way wall. Now if it is not.. what can I use along with this program that will give me a GOOD firewall, two way that is hopefully free. I know, I know I'm asking a lot. Just wondering... thanks all

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Comments (7)

owbist
16 years ago
Yes Al, you are safe with the Vista firewall. It is a 2 way firewall so your outgoing and incoming is protected.

You are not asking a lot at all, there are a lot of excellent free programs out there. Lots of junk to be avoided too of course
DA_Mccoy
16 years ago
The Vista firewall is sufficient.

If you are having reoccurring security concerns as you describe more than likely the bugs you refer to are from, but not limited to; visited sites, un-researched downloads, free fonts and smiley faces, free wallpaper or by opening unsolicited e-mails.

It would be appropriate to complete a full system scan with your AV followed by a scan with one or more of the malware applications regularly recommended here on the forum.

DA
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big_al_41
Original Author
16 years ago
Owbist, I am using the MSE (MS security essentials) anti virus program... the machine (OS) is a vista, but I think MSE turns off the defender program which I believe is ( or was ) the firewall I could be wrong. Does anyone know for sure that there is a firewall up and running with the MSE in place ?

Damccoy, I sorta know that certain sites can be a problem ..my concern is to have something in place to at least give me an edge for protection, I can self govern myself.

And I do a scan for malware etc at least once a week. My question is do I have a firewall in place now even if I run MSE ???
bob414
16 years ago
Yes. MSE turns off defender, but defender is not a firewall. Vista would warn you if the Vista Firewall was turned off. I suggest you install the free Malwarebytes and run a scan at least weekly.
DA_Mccoy
16 years ago
Frequency of scanning is a personal choice. Opinions vary from "daily" to "never" neither of which I support.

Unless I get an inkling that my system is acting unusual or I have connected to a website that gives me a "negative" gut feeling or I find "a little suspicious" I scan monthly. Then again, I am not one who runs around in fear of "the sky is falling".

Please do what you consider is best for you.

START>Control Panel> Windows Firewall> the appearing window will report the status of your firewall. Green is good.

DA
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
16 years ago
do you have a router that your pc is connected to? if so you have another firewall built into the router(they are turned on as default in general), a hardware firewall, so with the vista firewall turned on (just check your security center in control panel as stated above to make sure it says it is on) you actually have double firewall protection, hardware and software firewalls.
One reason I always put a router in my configurations.
I will run with out a software firewall before I will run without a router firewall.
exgm
16 years ago
Personal opinion, it's not enough. (Then I AM demanding.)
I always run with a 3rd party, highly rated firewall for Microsoft products.

An Example of Why

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