Is Firewall Necessary While Using Antivirus?

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Morton - 30 Jul 2008 00:50 GMT

Hi,

I'm running Vista Home Premium with SP-1. I just deleted Norton 360 with
Norton's tool, and installed Avast antivirus. Now, I keep getting
on-screen notices that Windows Firewall is turned off, = a security risk.

I know that the 2 programs have differing functions. Having an antivirus
program on,and Super AntiSpyware too, do I also need Windows Firewall
turned on?

Thanks.

Morton

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Malke - 30 Jul 2008 01:16 GMT

> Hi,
>
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> program on,and Super AntiSpyware too, do I also need Windows Firewall
> turned on?

Yes. Norton apparently left it turned off. Go to Control Panel and turn it
on again.

Malke

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MS-MVP
Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic!
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Bruce Chambers - 30 Jul 2008 02:10 GMT

> Hi,
>
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> program on,and Super AntiSpyware too, do I also need Windows Firewall
> turned on?

Most definitely. (Unless you elect to install a 3rd party firewall,
that is.)

There are several essential components to computer security: a
knowledgeable and pro-active user, a properly configured firewall,
reliable and up-to-date antivirus software, and the prompt repair (via
patches, hotfixes, or service packs) of any known vulnerabilities.

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Bruce Chambers

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They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

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killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

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Ken Blake, MVP - 30 Jul 2008 02:31 GMT

> Hi,
>
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> program on,and Super AntiSpyware too, do I also need Windows Firewall
> turned on?

Yes, you need Windows Firewall or some other firewall. An antivirus
and an antispyware program is *not* sufficient protection.

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Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
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Hank Arnold (MVP) - 30 Jul 2008 18:52 GMT

> Hi,
>
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>
> Morton

None of the applications you mentioned provide the functions of a
firewall. Turn on the Windows firewall. The newest one with Vista ain't
half bad. If you practice "Safe Computing", you're basically OK.

Then start looking at some free 3rd party firewalls..........

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Regards,
Hank Arnold
Microsoft MVP
Windows Server - Directory Services

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Morton - 30 Jul 2008 22:33 GMT

>> Hi,
>>
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
>
> Then start looking at some free 3rd party firewalls..........

Thanks to all for the great advice. I do appreciate it.

Morton

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