An effective firewall works both ways...blocking inbound and outbound

traffic.

Inbound, in my opinion, is where the risk and source of problems is.

Outbound is only a problem is you allow something to be installed on

your system that then communicates back to the "mother ship." I don't

really consider this a risk, at least not on my personal system.

Inbound control is best achieved, in my opinion, by a simple

Firewall/Router/NAT box....I use the Cisco RV042 for $153 from Newegg.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124160

By using "non-routable" IP addresses on your computers "in the

building", the Cisco box will block any unwanted inbound requests.

Software firewalls, in my experience, have a high-maintenance pain level

that is more than I want to mess with. Instead, I just don't connect my

computer "direct" to the Internet.

Hope this helps.

Mike Copeland

-------- Original Message --------

Subject: Re: [NF] Recommend software to close ports

From: <kamcginnis@gmail.com>

To: profoxtech@leafe.com

Date: 6/9/2012 1:48 PM

I have always disabled the windows firewall and used my router to block ports. I have a vps service that has 'vCloud'

which does that and it works well. Now I have a new vps server (much less expensive) that has no way to block ports.

They recommend that I use Windows Firewall.

Since I have not had good experience with Microsoft software, anyone have a suggestion for a good program? what about

ZoneAlarm?

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