Why Windows Firewall is good enough for most home users

[safeguy]

WARNING: If you're going to bash me for writing this....then DON"T READ!!! as this is just my opinion as a home user...and if you're not fine with it, then you don't have to force yourself or force me in accepting what you think is right. Each individual has his/her own choices...no point in starting flame wars simply because of firewall....so PEACE to all and read only if you are cool

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Windows Firewall (be it XP, Vista or Win7) is decent and sufficient enough sufficient for most average home users...it's not perfect...and it's not the best in terms of 'security' or features...but it's the simplest to use and and runs quietly in the background....

The fact that it's built directly into Windows makes it a good choice for many as it's the least likely to cause crashes and conflicts with other programs on your PC...

I know some will disagree (especially those of you security paranoid geeks who like to meddle with settings,etc) and point out about 'outbound controls' etc..but my logic is this:

A firewall isn't a remedy but another layer in a security setup....do you really need an outbound control if you have not installed any malicious or untrustworthy apps on your PC in the 1st place???

In short, I believe that safe surfing combined with a good anti-virus along with the built-in Windows firewall is enough most home users to be 'safe'

P.S. To those of you who do have dubious or suspicious files on your PC and you're using built-in Windows Firewall, one 'trick' (apart from adding exceptions) is to always disconnect from the internet when running them

Information about Windows Firewall below:

The Basics of using Windows Firewall:

Using Windows Firewall (Microsoft)

If you're a security savvy geek interested in setting up 'advanced' controls with Windows Firewall, check these links:

Windows XP Firewall:
How to Configure Windows Firewall on a Single Computer (TechNet)
Windows Firewall (TheElderGeek)

Windows Vista Firewall:
Tap into the Vista firewall's advanced configuration features (TechRepublic)

Windows 7 Firewall:
What's new in the Windows 7 Firewall? (WindowSecurity)

How to configure Windows 7 Firewall (TheWindowsClub)
How to Manage Windows 7 Firewall (TheWindowsClub)

5 Tools for Managing Windows 7 & Vista Firewall (TheWindowsClub)

Disclaimer: I'm not a qualified firewall expert but an ordinary home user who has no qualms with using Windows Firewall default settings without any advanced settings/configuration. I'm not against the idea of using third-party firewall so you don't have to convince me to

P.S. Don't PM me asking how to set up Windows Firewall, etc....read through the articles on the links provided above or if you want to, you can ask ceyfer

[tangomouse]

i agree its suitable for home users ,however i would say only if you also have a built in firewall in your router which most do.

[luffy]

Can WF block access to specific website like myspace? Or do I need to use third party firewall?

[rnbv424140]

I totally agree. Haven't used any other firewall except that. All the other commercial firewall license i had were given to my relatives. I don't do banking, only gaming so no need for stringest security measures.

[safeguy]

Can WF block access to specific website like myspace? Or do I need to use third party firewall?

You can use hosts file to block certain websites...

Back to topic, seems like there aren't many here that uses Windows Firewall...so to keep this thread alive, come on guys I now officially allow you guys to bash Windows Firewall as much as you want...

Why don't you use Windows Firewall? You can be as sarcastic as you want...I just want to see opinions from the "gurus"

[BTOR]

when nothing is fool proof then why not use the simplest thing available rather than spending on a product which we dont know what it is and how to use it

if i explain kaspersky to my grandma she will stop feeding me

[lunaticcranck]

Im always using XP firewall with no problems,but im behind NAT in my router wich has Hardware firewall too

[noaccount]

if i explain kaspersky to my grandma she will stop feeding me

yeh exactly what i thk about it...

[kavinraja]

I accept it too.
I dont do any money transactions or any other sensitive things. Moreover i have 1.65 kg of firewall (My brain), to ensure protection. So windows firewall is enough for me.
Guess Ray cant say like that!

[hellnoire]

I'm using currently the Windows 7 Firewall. And my girl is using Vista's.

Seems to be holding out for now. As for later... well, I can not speak for the future.