Router and Windows Firewall Enough?

[gobo]

I search and could'nt find this in the forum. Sorry if it was already answered.

Is having a router with Firewall and the built in Windows XP firewall enough? I do own a commercial firewall, (Outpost), but every now and then it still throws up an alert. (Mainly when something updates and it thinks its a new program try to get on the net.) Not exactly a seamless viewing experience. Still I'd be a little nervous otherwise being that its on 24/7. Any thoughts?

[lsilvest]

It really depends on how you use the HTPC. I have 2 that only have Windows Firewall (one XP, one Win7), no anti-virus, no anti-spyware, no updates (except on 7 which is unavoidable at the time). If I go on the internet it's only to Hulu or possibly a TV network site just to view shows. I've had the XP system going for 3 yrs (does go to sleep when not in use) and have never had a problem. I have only the system files and my recordings on the drives, so if someone were to gain access, there's nothing that can't be replaced (I back up my files religiously) and nothing that will benefit anyone. I it should get a virus, then a complete reinstall is quick and easy. Also, I use Network Magic on my systems and they give a daily report on each one for network activity, so it would be easy to detect if there is a problem.

If you use your system for more and spend more time on the internet, then you may want something like free Zone Alarm to monitor outboudn and Avast Anti-Virus which can be set up to not be intrusive. Like anything else, a degree of caution and common sense is the most important deterrent. I've been doing this since 1989 and have never had a virus, spyware, etc. If you know what you're doing you're not really that vulnerable. My main concern is access to my system which even the XP Windows firewall coupled with the hardware firewall in the router does a good job.

[Fickey]

Should be OK as lsilvest says, just make sure your router firmware is up to date, all router firewall options are enabled (like SPI), put a decent admin password on the router, if wireless- ideally enable WPA2-AES with a strong password, disable wireless admin access, and use a non-default SSID (NOT Linksys, Netgear, etc.) Ideally, keep Windows up to date as well. Some folks with dedicated BTV servers don't apply Windows updates to avoid possible new conflicts, but theoretically that could leave you exploitable for nefarious purposes (like becoming a zombie participating in DDoS attacks).

[gobo]

Thanks. That sounds ok. I guess another concern I have is that my system is set up for file sharing so I can access all the media from the other local computers (all of which have antivirus and outpost firewall on them). If the HTPC gets attacked the stuff on it is replaceable but won't that make my other PCs vulnerable with file sharing on? My HTPC is only used as a HTPC, going online only for guide updates, Hulu and Meedio's online videos.

Originally Posted by lsilvest

It really depends on how you use the HTPC. I have 2 that only have Windows Firewall (one XP, one Win7), no anti-virus, no anti-spyware, no updates (except on 7 which is unavoidable at the time). If I go on the internet it's only to Hulu or possibly a TV network site just to view shows. I've had the XP system going for 3 yrs (does go to sleep when not in use) and have never had a problem. I have only the system files and my recordings on the drives, so if someone were to gain access, there's nothing that can't be replaced (I back up my files religiously) and nothing that will benefit anyone. I it should get a virus, then a complete reinstall is quick and easy. Also, I use Network Magic on my systems and they give a daily report on each one for network activity, so it would be easy to detect if there is a problem.

If you use your system for more and spend more time on the internet, then you may want something like free Zone Alarm to monitor outboudn and Avast Anti-Virus which can be set up to not be intrusive. Like anything else, a degree of caution and common sense is the most important deterrent. I've been doing this since 1989 and have never had a virus, spyware, etc. If you know what you're doing you're not really that vulnerable. My main concern is access to my system which even the XP Windows firewall coupled with the hardware firewall in the router does a good job.