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A firewall doesnt stop ads or spyware

That would be the job of antivirus and web viewer things

"be sensible" is the only thing i can put, research anything that hasnt been recommended by a friend or family member

[MattJimF]

Originally Posted by Dumpex

A firewall doesnt stop ads or spyware

That would be the job of antivirus and web viewer things

"be sensible" is the only thing i can put, research anything that hasnt been recommended by a friend or family member

bollocks a decent firewall has options to prevent pop up ads and to disable ads appearing on websites, it also when configured correctly stops connections to the servers and sites that run the spyware and adware.
Antivirus does what it says on the tin prevents viruses NOT spyware and adware.

[Sue Denim..]

Originally Posted by Hog

I use webroot spysweeper, it certainly picks up a lot of spy/adware. It also has a free 14 day sample.

I use this at home. It does the job, what more can I say.

[Bailz]

Originally Posted by MattJimF

bollocks a decent firewall has options to prevent pop up ads and to disable ads appearing on websites, it also when configured correctly stops connections to the servers and sites that run the spyware and adware.
Antivirus does what it says on the tin prevents viruses NOT spyware and adware.

Firewalls let programs in and out of a computer. Pop ups are are popped up via a web browser. You block the pop ups then you block the web browser and can't view websites. You need a pop up blocker not a firewall.

[Daniel]

try hijack this, just make sure you know what your deleting though. it cleened my system up

[Hugh_Jazz]

Originally Posted by Dumpex

A firewall doesnt stop ads or spyware

That would be the job of antivirus and web viewer things

"be sensible" is the only thing i can put, research anything that hasnt been recommended by a friend or family member

Incorrect.

If you've got spyware on your computer, a correctly configured firewall will prevent the spyware creating out-bound traffic and "calling home", thus rendering it useless.

In this eventuality, Windows XP's firewall is no use cos it only gives you a bare minimum amount of protection by only blocking in-bound traffic. You need a 'proper' firewall that blocks in both directions.

[Addi]

Incorrect.

Spyware can still send outbound traffic if it spoofs as a program which has allready been allowed outbound connections in the firewall rules. It can also use covert channels.

If there is spyware on your system it needs to be removed, a firewall doesnt do this.

[feeble!]

Surely then, a combination of the two would be the best solution?

[Addi]

You should be running both, yes.

[Hugh_Jazz]

Originally Posted by Addi

Incorrect.

Spyware can still send outbound traffic if it spoofs as a program which has allready been allowed outbound connections in the firewall rules. It can also use covert channels.

If there is spyware on your system it needs to be removed, a firewall doesnt do this.

Aye, fair enough but I was quite obviously not implying that a firewall would get rid of spyware...just that it could prevent it calling home. However, I bow to your superior wisdom. Didnt know about spoofing or covert channels etc.

My previous point still stands regarding Windows XP's own firewall. Bugger all use where spyware is concerned.