Firewall is a bit irritating sometime. Especially in Windows when you are trying to connect to a LAN game and you receive a popup to unblock the process. This result in game crash sometime. I had faced this issue quiet commonly so disable the Firewall. On the same hand I have a nice internet security pack which comes with the Antivirus suite. It is quiet nice compared to Windows Firewall. Manual configuration of a Firewall is not easy for everyone. Ample of users does not know how a Firewall works and does it is needed. A Firewall is nothing just a blockage. It does not allow untrusted incoming connection to your computer unless you allow. That is the reason we have an Exception list provided in Firewall settings. It does not matter if you are working on a small or big network you have to ensure maximum security. Basically I had seen people not using Firewall when they are working through a router. Now the confusion starts here. I have a Router configure Firewall on hardware Level. Also I have a Firewall enable through an antivirus software or operating system. This two things looks like more safety precaution but there can be issue with internet surfing. A number of people have asked me that do I need to install software level Firewall if it is turned on at hardware level i.e. via Router.
To some extent yes. When you configure Firewall through Router you stay safer from outer network. No virus, Trojan, spyware can enter your system. Even if you download an infected file, the Firewall will block the access. Now the other side of coin says that you can get affected due to outbound traffic. If there is no Firewall at software level, and accidentally you had virus in your system through USB or any other media, then they can stay in your system and infect other files. What matters is proper configuration. You have to understand, which is the most secure option for you. When a Firewall is configured through Router it will block external connection. This is not good for companies. As many people who are not in the network or trying to connect from outside will blocked. This also affects online multiplayer gaming. Second the software Firewall blocks untrusted application. This sometime also affects a number of update services which are beneficial.
Another most common issue is conflict between Router and Software Firewall. Your internet connection may suffer. Before playing with the settings or managing Firewall connectivity it is recommended that you understand the need of a Firewall. On that basis you can choose whether a software level one is beneficial or a hardware level. Firewall simply limits access to your computer. No untrusted connection can establish. This is mostly done by virus. They download more files to completely damage your system and data. If you are on internet or web, a Firewall is prime requirement. It must be turned on. Now you might be wondering about the type of Firewall support. Well it depends on the type of internet connection and usage. When you apply for an internet connection you receive a small box which is called as a modem. Some of you receive direct cable connectivity.
Modem is the device which acts as a mediator between your computer and servers to load web pages. A Router on the same hand is a device that offer you additional connectivity and NAT support. Now if you receive a device which is a modem + router with NAT then you are secured. They are already configured with Firewall which blocks all untrusted connections. So this is quiet a good news. To find that your internet connection has NAT or not you can do two things. First contact the service provider and ask him. Second you can check the specification of device which is configured at your home. If that shows you NAT then you can stay worry free.
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