This website suggests that the router I am using (BT Voyager 2100) comes with a firewall built-in. Do I need to run a third-party firewall (or Microsoft’s firewall) at the same time or does the one in the router provide sufficient protection? Also, are there likely to be any compatability problems that occur with running two firewalls on the same P.C.?
One more question, how essential is Anti-virus software for a computer with a good firewall? I would assume that as long as you were careful when opening e-mails and browsing the internet there would be no need for anti-virus software as no malicious code could get onto the computer, am I right in this assumption or way off base (as usual)?
Is this just a home PC? If so, the built in firewall should be sufficient. Even so, running a software firewall at the same time shouldn’t cause any compatability issues. It would just be two layers of protection, in effect, so if something is blocked that shouldn’t be, you’d just have to check both to see where it was blocked.
You should always run up to date anti-virus software, however, as you never know when a new virus could appear that takes advantage of open ports or common Internet software. There is also the risk of becoming infected via external media like CDs or floppies.
Grisoft - http://free.grisoft.com - offer the popular AVG Antiv-Virus suite free for home users.