I have recently bought a Netgear router. The instructions suggest I no longer need to use a software firewall. Is this a good idea? Graham Oakley
No, it's a bad idea. You could unintentionally install malware from a website or sent to you via email, and the router will regard this as legitimate traffic. A software firewall also monitors the software on your hard drive and can block outgoing traffic. It's therefore a good idea to have both.
Web-only comment, responding to Johnnydeverill: At the end of March, I answered a question: What do you need to keep Windows secure? This included: "at the moment I recommend and use the free Kerio Personal firewall, rescued by Sunbelt Software (http://www.sunbelt-software.com/Kerio.cfm). Of the commercial firewalls, I like McAfee."
Kerio is free for personal use, has a good set of features, and is easy to use. As in all such cases, it's a question of balancing the pros and cons. Some poeple may prefer Zone Alarm or Comodo, for example. Sorry, I have not tried PC Tools Firewall Plus.
