Digital BW, The Print

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Gus J Grubba"
<gus@g...> wrote:
> Windows firewall has been there since XP first shipped. It's just
disabled
> by default. If you install it, just enable the firewall before
connecting to
> the network. I'm also assuming you're using a modem. Virtually every
> DSL/Cable Modem router out there has a firewall built in, which
makes this
> all moot.

*** It certainly does NOT make it moot! ***

1.  A firewall in a router typically only blocks incoming traffic.  If
you are infected with a virus that initiates a connection from your
side, it won't help.
2.  A firewall in a router is only as good as you've set or configured
it to be.  (ditto with a wireless network - I've gotten onto LOTS of
wireless networks LITERALLY without even trying)
3.  Typical home router firewalls only do NAT.   That's only the most
basic level of protection.   A better level is to also do Stateful
Packet Inspection, but the typical cheap, home router can't do that.

Since we're all photographers here, let's use this analogy:  a typical
home router is like a really basic point-and-shoot camera.   Even a
basic point-and-shoot needs to be used PROPERLY and with some basic
technical understanding, to take good photos.     But there are some
things it's never going to be capable of, even in skilled hands.   For
some things you need better gear (a DSLR, a long, fast prime lens,
studio lights, etc) AND you need to understand how to use them!