When the Windows Firewall can be turn off
Lets make this clear, it is always a good idea to enabled Windows Firewall even if you have another firewall that is protecting the system itself whether it is a hardware firewall like a router with build in firewall or a software firewall like third party firewall or other firewall you have implemented. It does not hurt to have many layers of protection but there are time when having too many of one things can affect your system performance or conflict with one another. Below are situation in which it would be OK to disable the firewall.
Wireless connection- When establishing a wireless connection with a wireless router, the router already have a built in firewall that will protect any computer that connect to it whether it is wireless or wired.
Dial-Up connection- When establishing internet connection using dial-up, the computer have to contact the dial-up server to obtain an IP address. It is hard for a hacker to know the IP address of the computer because once the dial-up connection is disconnected the computer usually do not obtain the same IP address. So for a hacker, it is a guessing game. A hacker would not even try to waste their time trying to guess what the IP address would be.
Third Party Firewall- There are many third party firewall out there that can protect your system better then the Windows firewall. If you have installed one, it is a good idea to turn off the Windows Firewall so that the Windows Firewall does not conflict with the third party firewall. Below are some poplar third party firewall in no particular order. For a complete list click here.
Wireless connection- When establishing a wireless connection with a wireless router, the router already have a built in firewall that will protect any computer that connect to it whether it is wireless or wired.
Dial-Up connection- When establishing internet connection using dial-up, the computer have to contact the dial-up server to obtain an IP address. It is hard for a hacker to know the IP address of the computer because once the dial-up connection is disconnected the computer usually do not obtain the same IP address. So for a hacker, it is a guessing game. A hacker would not even try to waste their time trying to guess what the IP address would be.
Third Party Firewall- There are many third party firewall out there that can protect your system better then the Windows firewall. If you have installed one, it is a good idea to turn off the Windows Firewall so that the Windows Firewall does not conflict with the third party firewall. Below are some poplar third party firewall in no particular order. For a complete list click here.
- ZoneAlarm
- PC Tools Firewall Plus
- Commodo