I have read the useful B.C. Tutorial about Firewalls (which, incidentally, appears to have been written in 2004 and not updated since). I have also found this useful recent post from quietman7, explaining the limitations of the built-in Windows Firewall supplied with Vista.
So, my first question ("Is Windows Firewall adequate?") has been answered ("No.")!
Question 2:
The PC is connected (by cable) to a D-Link DIR-615 wireless router. Do I need to configure anything in the router for the hardware firewall to work (or work better)? Or is it OK in its default configuration?
I have looked at the configuration and there's nothing obvious to turn on or off, although there is the facility to set up filtering of specific ports and addresses. I have always found the array of available router settings somewhat bewildering!
Question 3:
Regarding software firewalls: a friend (who has configured my parents laptops) recommended using ZoneAlarm, while MoneySavingExpert recommends using Outpost. I used to use Outpost on a Win98 machine (no longer networked!). Is there anything particular to choose between these firewall packages?
Q3a - Does Outpost update automatically? (If not, how to get updates?)
Edited by D808Centaur, 29 May 2010 - 03:19 PM.