Which firewall?

[Winin]

I have Windows (Vista) firewall, McAfee, and I think a third one on my router. I know I'm only supposed to use one. Which should I go with?

Thanks!

[GrilledCheese28 (aka Aruth)]

I use both the one with the router, and the built in Windows or Linux one.
No reason you can't run more than one. If, however, you did just want to stick with one, then I would choose the router's (assuming it's a decently featured one).

[Winin]

The Windows Defender says running more than one can cause unstable connections. But who knows. It seems like Mcafee would play nice with Windows.

My router is a netgear.

[Vejuz]

Generally, you want to have one software (on the computer) and one hardware (a router) firewall. It doesn't really matter what one you use as long it's from a reputed company. I use AVG (desktop) and MacAfee myself (I get it free from my university for use on my laptop). Both seem good although really to guard against actual hackers you just need a hardware firewall. Software firewalls should generally be used for system scans and detection.

I've never heard about any problems with running more than one, except that sometimes software firewalls can sometimes try to block one another.

[Winin]

Ahh, thanks. So maybe I'll turn on windows and mcafee so they both stop bitching at me to turn them on.

[Kaarenyth]

You should be able to turn one or the other on - the detect each other and quiets the other - but yea - Hardware FW and OS firewall = good. Multiple OS Firewalls you may see some issues with connections.

[Drak]

only supposed to use one

From a security point of view the more layers you have the better off you are.

That being said I leave the system and software ones at default levels and dial things down at my firewall (pfsense!).

(yes - am slow and need to read the board more, )