Do I need more protection??

[taz480]

First, I already did my homework. Searched miles of threads and sifted through tons of reviews, opinions and rants. Sometimes direct questioning is the better way to go.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have 2 machines(desktop/laptop), both VistaHomePrem, both wireless and both have same setup and security software. Almost exact machines, but one's desktop, one's laptop. So from here on, I will just refer to one machine(actually meaning both). Also, both machines are behind 2 separate routers in this configuration....

Cable modem-->BelkinFSD9231(WAN port),
BelkinFSD9231(LAN port)-->LinksysWRT54G(WAN port),
LinksysWRT54G(wifi)--> both of my machines.


Why do I have 2 routers? Good question. We are staying with my in-laws for a little while. They have Comcast and the Belkin router. I was just going to connect to theirs and leave my Linksys in storage until I realized they had no wireless security on the Belkin and couldn't care less when I informed them of that. "Hmm, well good for you....I prefer not to have everybody and their dog who is in range to be able to see my stuff."(which includes the in-laws)

Anyway, both routers have some sort of Firewall in them. Both are a little different but each does something, I guess. My machines each have, aVast Home, Windows Firewall, Windows Defender and SpybotS&D. All are latest version and are up to date.

I was just pondering firewalls because I know Windows FW is one sided. I have heard like everyone else that zone alarm has conflicts with avast but is also easily fixed by turning some features off in avast.

Should I even worry about it or am I pretty well hidden? I was wondering about free firewalls that will play nice with the rest of my set up without me having to turn any features off. I see a lot of praise for zone alarm and sygate. Does anyone like "My Tiny Personal Firewall" anymore? I remember hearing about that one some time ago. Any others?

Thank you for entertaining my addition to the three million "Which One?" threads!


***EDIT

I forgot, both machines also use FireFox3 and IE8 for browsers. I never use IE for anything unless I'm forced to. Certain sites like MSN videos and a few others only work in IE and a few apps like Quicktime rely on it. I'm only adding the edit because there is an issue with Spybot not working right with IE8 but there's a fix for it and just in case anyone knows of a similar issue with any other software and certain browsers.

[taz480]

anyone?

[adrumm]

dont understand your problem much but you seeem alright if you have a good antivirus setup

[theGlitch]

dont understand your problem much but you seeem alright if you have a good antivirus setup

it doesn't seem to be about viruses as much as he doesn't want his inlaws to have access to whatever sensitive stuff he does/views on his laptop.

I say if you have the firewalls up, that's the best you can do... I doubt stacking the firewalls will do all too much more than having just the one. IMO you're safe.

[RicheemxX]

I realized they had no wireless security on the Belkin and couldn't care less when I informed them of that. "Hmm, well good for you....I prefer not to have everybody and their dog who is in range to be able to see my stuff."(which includes the in-laws)

Someone might correct me if I'm wrong here but doesn't the open-ness of the primary router negate any of the security on the secondary.

[Nude_Lewd_Man]

That depends RicheemxX...

If the two are split onto different subnets and/or DMZ zones, then any machines would need to:
a) know what IP to aim at; and, if a DMZ is in place
b) have a rule that allows/blocks traffic from one to the other...

Bear in mind that setting up a secondary subnet could cause issues with getting legit data in/out of your 'mini-network', and you could need to add a route if you use a separate LAN network range........

[Augustina]

it seems that you did need a good protection tool.

[zepper]

MajorGeeks.com has an entry on the menu on the upper right of their pages "Top Freeware Picks" which will point you in the right direction. The one thing I'd add to your arsenal is MalwareBytes, it's antiSpyware and more. Always good to have more than one antiSpyware. I'd also want a better firewall. Matousec.com has decent tests of firewalls. There are also sites that compare AV softwares too (AV-Comparatives.org for one).

I have run Comodo firewall for a while and am planning to try Outpost next. I used to use the security software that came with SystemSuite from V-Com/Avanquest. Earlier they included TrendMicro AV and Sygate FW, but they swutched with their last major "upgrade" to Sunbelt security software and I've heard little about them, so I've gone to Freeware. Antivir from Avira.com and one of the top picks from MajorGeeks for FW plus a couple of the MG picks for Spyware, etc. I also use CrapCleaner (CCleaner) for other duties.

MajorGeeks forum's malware section is a great resource too.

.bh.