Firewall Needed! Hardware Only!

LibKill | 09-05-03 | LibKill

[LibKill]

I was enjoying the benefits of Free Republic, when a system pop-up said "VSMON has failed..." or something like that.

The meaning of that is that my ZoneAlarm software firewall had failed. I had to shut down fast.

This has happened infrequently, but it has happened one time too many.

I am in the market for a hardware firewall. I want one that can pass the tests found here Gibson Research Corporation. (Will open in a new window.)

I am using a DSL modem with an ethernet card.

I can spend around $100.

Please help, FRiends.

[LibKill]

I know this is a vanity, but if you would let it stay in the main forum for a few hours before it is moved to chat, I would really appreciate it.

I need help from technical minded freepers.

[At _War_With_Liberals]

The program failed. Just restart. Reinstall if crashes continue.

[IncPen]

Buy a Mac._{Bwa hahahhahaha}

Sorry, I couldn't help myself!

[LibKill]

The program failed. Just restart. Reinstall if crashes continue.

It has failed once too often. I used to recommend it, but now I want a firewall that cannot crash, hardware.

[Swordmaker]

Get a Internet Router... even though you have only one computer, the Router can act as a hardware firewall between you and the outside world. They are easy to set up and easy to maintain... Linksys makes one that is easy on the pocketbook.

The other benefit come when you want to add another computer for another family member... both share the same internet connection.

[Poohbah]

It has failed once too often. I used to recommend it, but now I want a firewall that cannot crash, hardware.

Hardware firewalls can crash.

Get a Linux box. Configure it with pf, and go to it.

[LibKill]

Thanks. Does Linksys hide all ports from the outside world?

[Texas_Jarhead]

same thing uused to happen to me until I got a newer version

re-install or get the latest version

[netmilsmom]

Netmilsdad says our BEFSX41 Linksys firewall/router will do the job. It was less than 100.00 and he bought it at BestBuy. It went in as soon as we got our cable modem and has been great.

[Poohbah]

You can set it to Default Deny, and then open only those ports you want opened.

[At _War_With_Liberals]

Its a memory hog anyway.

[LibKill]

Linux? uh, me dumb.

Thanks anyway!

[TomServo]

Does Linksys hide all ports from the outside world?

Yes. Get one. I've been using mine for several years. Completely stealth.

[netmilsmom]

And most importantly it blocks the Microsoft netbios ports from the outside world.

[Poohbah]

Linux? uh, me dumb.

Get Linux for Dummies. Heck, get the 100% Red Hat Bible, complete with RedHat 7.3, and start playing with it. You'll get the hang of it in no time.

[Slings and Arrows]

What OS are you using?

[BlessedBeGod]

I just bought the BEFSR41 today, but haven't installed it yet.


Does anyone know if you can run Zone Alarm along with the router?

[willieroe]

Have you scanned for viruses lately? Some information online suggests that repeated failings of VSMON could be the result of a computer virus.

[LibKill]

Win98 SE.