Firewall question

Hwilensky · Hwilensky #1 (**permalink**)

04-09-2012, 10:05 PM

Hey all -

Another new bee question from yours truly. I was reading an article on another site about improving a macs performance. It stated that the firewall setting should be on. Is that correct? Should I have my firewall setting on my mac? Just curious

Thanks,
Hwilensky

chas_m · chas_m #2 (**permalink**)

04-09-2012, 10:12 PM

No, the article is incorrect.

The software firewall is off by default because nearly everyone in the developed world is already behind a superior hardware firewall -- it's called a router.

Firewalls protect you from DDOS attacks but do not -- in any way whatsoever -- improve the performance of your Mac, your web speed or anything else like that.

Hwilensky · Hwilensky #3 (**permalink**)

04-10-2012, 07:10 AM

Does it slow anything down at all, if you have it turned on? Wouldn't leaving it on give you a double layer of security, your router and your computer? Just curious?

Thanks,
Hwilensky

Raz0rEdge · Raz0rEdge #4 (**permalink**)

04-10-2012, 08:33 AM

Doing something in software is going to always be slower than doing it in hardware and no having both turned on doesn't double your security, it just means that the software firewall has less to do since the hardware firewall will catch the majority of intrusions..

chscag · chscag #5 (**permalink**)

04-10-2012, 10:08 AM

Quote:

No, the article is incorrect.

Member chas_m is correct about your router being a superior firewall. However, when using public wireless such as in a library or at Starbucks, it's recommended that you turn on the firewall. If you're in the habit of using public wireless as many young folks do today, I recommend keeping the firewall on at all times. It does not interfere with browsing and is easy enough to configure. Just keep in mind that when using public wireless never transmit sensitive data such as credit card numbers or do bank transactions.

Hwilensky · Hwilensky #6 (**permalink**)

04-10-2012, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chscag

Member chas_m is correct about your router being a superior firewall. However, when using public wireless such as in a library or at Starbucks, it's recommended that you turn on the firewall. If you're in the habit of using public wireless as many young folks do today, I recommend keeping the firewall on at all times. It does not interfere with browsing and is easy enough to configure. Just keep in mind that when using public wireless never transmit sensitive data such as credit card numbers or do bank transactions.

Thanks chscag, for all the help.

chas_m #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 22, 2010 Location: Victoria, BC Posts: 13,696 Mac Specs: 2009 MacBook Pro, Black speakers, Black Benq second monitor, black iPhone 4, Black 2012 iPad, etc.	04-09-2012, 10:12 PM No, the article is incorrect. The software firewall is off by default because nearly everyone in the developed world is already behind a superior hardware firewall -- it's called a router. Firewalls protect you from DDOS attacks but do not -- in any way whatsoever -- improve the performance of your Mac, your web speed or anything else like that. Cheers, chas_m -- My essay for switchers and newbies
	QUOTE Thanks

Raz0rEdge #4 (permalink)
Member Since: Jul 17, 2009 Location: MA Posts: 5,790 Mac Specs: 27" i7 iMac with 16GB RAM and 1TB HDD, iPhone 3G & 4, iPod Nano 16GB, iPod Shuffle, iPad 2 16GB WiFi	04-10-2012, 08:33 AM Doing something in software is going to always be slower than doing it in hardware and no having both turned on doesn't double your security, it just means that the software firewall has less to do since the hardware firewall will catch the majority of intrusions.. -- Regards ...Ashwin Be sure to read the Community Guidelines \| The more information you provide, the better answers you get, remember GIGO.
	QUOTE Thanks

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Hwilensky #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Mar 05, 2012 Posts: 155	04-09-2012, 10:05 PM Hey all - Another new bee question from yours truly. I was reading an article on another site about improving a macs performance. It stated that the firewall setting should be on. Is that correct? Should I have my firewall setting on my mac? Just curious Thanks, Hwilensky
	QUOTE Thanks

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