Is windows firewall enough to protect my PC from hackers ?

Question

i use windows xp sp 2 installed on my home PC

i have
avast av free version
windows defender
windows firewall

will it be adequate to protect me against viruses and especially hackers.

if not some free recomendations

all suggestions are welcomr

Answer 1

Not really



Most attacks these day come from something you download or opened.



For example:

You downloaded a Free screen saver. You installed it and it works just find. But in the background you opened up a port "hole" to a hacker. The XP firewall will not stop this type attack. 3rd party software will.

Answer 2

Well no the default security that comes with windows is not enough to keep hackers out of your computer. If a hacker cant get past the generic stuff he cant really call himself a hacker right?



You can go with free downloads if you want some basic protection, however if you really are worried about hackers you will need to sink some money into the program you get.



I would recommend AGAINST any and all forms of Norton. It is the bane of all computers.



I would go with a security suite offered by McAfee=

http://mcafee.secureie.com/mcafee-home.asp?tid=002&source=002_mcafee_home



Hope this helps

Answer 3

To test how secure your system is from basic attacks go here http://www.grc.com/default.htm ,scroll down and run the ShiledsUp test and then download LeakTest and run it on your computer.



Here's the results of ShieldsUp on my computer...



Your Internet port 139 does not appear to exist!

One or more ports on this system are operating in FULL STEALTH MODE! Standard Internet behavior requires port connection attempts to be answered with a success or refusal response. Therefore, only an attempt to connect to a nonexistent computer results in no response of either kind. But YOUR computer has DELIBERATELY CHOSEN NOT TO RESPOND (that's very cool!) which represents advanced computer and port stealthing capabilities. A machine configured in this fashion is well hardened to Internet NetBIOS attack and intrusion.



Unable to connect with NetBIOS to your computer.

All attempts to get any information from your computer have FAILED. (This is very uncommon for a Windows networking-based PC.) Relative to vulnerabilities from Windows networking, this computer appears to be VERY SECURE since it is NOT exposing ANY of its internal NetBIOS networking protocol over the Internet.



This is how my small homework is supposed to be - I run a webserver as well and I especially don't want just anyone getting into those computers.



With ZoneAlarm free edition - http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en-us/home.htm - on and permission denied then LeakTest could not get through the firewall. When Zonealarm was turned off and Windows Firewall turned on then it could. The reason for this is that ZoneAlarm will stop programs both ways, in and out of the computer, Windows Firewall is one way - it stops software from the outside getting in but any software installed can get out.



Having said that, the risk from hackers is not great, they've other bigger, better computer systems to try and get into rather than most home systems.

Answer 4

I use avast and its so much better than alot of other free AV software out there.



To answer your question, unfortunatly no!

I would install CCleaner



CCleaner will elminate the cookies and other artifacts your computer leaves behind when surfing online.



If you dont P2P fileshare and are using the above programs combined will keep you from receiving a virus.



As far as Hackers, just dont install any unfamiliar active x controls, dont click on links that are irrelavent in a forum, and make sure you turn off the "remote access" feature under Adminastrator settings.



Hackers usually gain entrance through your compliance..kinda like a vampire. He wont come in your home unless you invite them.



Stay off porn sites, hacker sites, and I would advise checking your ports to make sure you dont have anything open that your not using.



Just scan anything thats unfamiliar, uninstall any programs that dont look familiar, etc..



Vista is the most secure OS to date, dispite what neanderthals who refuse to evolve say.

If you have XP, Id upgrade ASAP.



Check your registry,(ERASE ANYTHING UNFAMILIAR OR NOT IN USE< BUT BE CAREFULL AS YOU CAN ACCIDENTALY ERASE MUCH NEEDED SYSTEM FILES,WHICH WILL CAUSE YOUR COMPUTER TO NOT FUNCTION..AND NEVER TRUST A PROGRAM WITH YOUR REGISTRY..ALWAYS DELETE SOFTWARE KEYS YOURSELF)



To Modify registry in vista:

Simply type: Regedit



You want to edit: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE



To Modify system utilities:

simply type: MSConfig



You want to edit:Services tab (uncheck any boxes with the word "remote" in them)

These are maily used for people wishing to remotly access their PC's while out of town etc.



Be carefull you have been warned!

Answer 5

windows firewall protect pc hackers

Answer 6

You can hardly ever be 100% protected, it is not likley to be atacked by hackers, i wouldant worry about that but spyware and viruses are always gonna be able to find its way into youre computer. The best thing to do is find a good antivirus and keep it updated and keep removing whatever gets in there. i use a free version of AVG it works pretty well on spyware and virus and you can download it for free. Just google for free avg

Answer 7

You can never stop a good hacker but with the use of routers and firewalls its become increasingly harder for hackers to access your systems. they would most likely have to have a reason to do so. However viri is probably a lot worse of a threat then hackers to your system. If your computer is hooked up to a router that is hooked up to your internet hub it makes it near impossible for Trojans to run which is a good thing. and if you use secondary web browsers like firefox vs explorer then you will have less exploits and drive by virus's there are tons of things that can disrupt your system



contact me i can teach you alot about security overide_u_2003 on yahoo mess

Answer 8

Golden rule is that if it is anything from Microsoft, it is vulnerable from attacks. Windows firewall only protect minor attacks not major ones. Whats more is that Windows xp only blocks incoming traffic, so it is only one way. You should get zone alarm, it will disable windows xp firewall automatically but thats' normal. It's also free

Answer 9

In my personal opinion it isnt. A person cannot ever be fully safe from hackers who are trying to get in. Thats why its best to get a more reliable firewall. I personally use Online Armor and havent had no problems with it so far.

Answer 10

uh prolly not u need adware and spyware remover but dont run them at the same time....