firewall

[yager86]

Hi!

Behind a router you don't actually need a firewall software on your PC. The router does NAT, SPI, and with a well configured firewall you are way more protected than with "just" a firewall software.

[sco77]

Software is by far more secure, but I don't recommend running them due to unneeded extra resources and filtering. The reason being is a router NAT firewall is excellent at blocking all incoming traffic, but does not block it if the connection has been triggered internally by malware/virus/downloader. Hardware only is highly recommended for the experienced user that keeps their computer clean and makes smart decisions on what they open/install.

[bplotkin]

security experts recommend layers of security, so having a hardware firewall AND a software firewall is fine. Actually very good, just might be tough to trouble shot when you need to open something up you have to look at all the layers to figure out whats causing the issue.