[Question] Do I still need a firewall?

[wiebeest]

I use os X x86 through VMware (my native install gives me too much issues still, like GPU stuck @60Hz and onboard LAN not working).

 

The newest build VMware (RC 1/ 16958) rocks speedwise, see my thread posted here (the 260.57% performance gain compared to version 13124 is quite noticable indeed). The os is actually usable now in common tasks like surfing, reading e-mail, wordprocessing.

 

Consequently, eversince I find myself surfing the net under os X (through VMware) instead of natively though Windows .

 

My question: do i still need to have my ZoneAlarm suite enabled under windows, when I surf through os X in VMware? Is this safe enough?

You'd think os X through VMware is an isolated enviroment, so the bad stuff from internet couldn't catch on to windows host, or could it?

 

Maybe this is an utterly n00bish thought of mine, but I was wondering, so any thoughts on this matter?

[MLS]

It's not like a software firewall like ZoneAlarm gives you much protection when surfing, anyway. But even if you're running only OS X in Vmware/Windows, you're still running Windows, which can be the vector of attack, so you should use a firewall. It's true however that it would be difficult to crack you computer by attacking OS X in VmWare

 

If ZoneAlarm is a performance sink, you may want to use Windows Firewall if you use Win Xp SP2, or some less bloated software firewall that only does the job of a firewall, or use a hardware firewall if that's an option.

 

What are your security needs ?

[wiebeest]

It's not like a software firewall like ZoneAlarm gives you much protection when surfing, anyway.

Funny, I thought ZoneAlarm was one of the better security-suites?

 

But even if you're running only OS X in Vmware/Windows, you're still running Windows, which can be the vector of attack, so you should use a firewall. It's true however that it would be difficult to crack you computer by attacking OS X in VmWare

So...I still need a firewall?

 

If ZoneAlarm is a performance sink, you may want to use Windows Firewall if you use Win Xp SP2, or some less bloated software firewall that only does the job of a firewall, or use a hardware firewall if that's an option.

Example?

What are your security needs ?

I don't want to get a hacked/spywared or virusised, as anybody I guess.

[bebox]

answer for me :

i am behind an hardware modem/routeur/firewall and OS X have a built in firewall (see nework prefs)

 

then i don't need more firewall of course

[MLS]

Funny, I thought ZoneAlarm was one of the better security-suites?

Well, security suite != firewall. Security suites try to do a lot more things that just firewalling, and often do retarded things. (not sure about ZoneAlarm, haven't used it in years)

 

So...I still need a firewall?

Yes, every computer connected to the net should use one.

 

Example?

Do you have Win Xp SP2 ? It contains Windows Firewall.

No other good example to give from experience, I trust my firewalling to my router.

 

 

I don't want to get a hacked/spywared or virusised, as anybody I guess.

Then I believe you should stick with ZoneAlarm if this works for you

Just don't trust it as your only security mesure, when using Windows an antivirus and an antispyware are more important assets than a firewall (Some decent free options for those are Avast! (antivirus) and Ms Antispyware Beta)

[wiebeest]

Then I believe you should stick with ZoneAlarm if this works for you

Just don't trust it as your only security mesure, when using Windows an antivirus and an antispyware are more important assets than a firewall (Some decent free options for those are Avast! (antivirus) and Ms Antispyware Beta)

Thanx for the reply.

From what I read, surfing os X through VMware under Windows without a firewall = not safe enough, so bad idea. I keep My zonealarm suite enabled then. The new zonealarm = firewall/anti-virus/anti-spyware, so that should be ok I guess.

 

[Metrogirl]

My opinion - your Windows system shouldn't be vulnerable to attack from whatever happens to your OSx86 browser inside VMWare, so you don't need to worry about all those web exploits that are out there. You can surf happily using Safari without much fear. You will probably never see a virus for OSX if you're sensible about what you download and do.

 

That doesn't mean that your Windows system is safe from attack from the network however. You are right to keep your firewall in place and use it! My personal choice is a dedicated firewall on my incoming cable modem, and Kerio Personal Firewall and Symantec AntiVirus on my Windows machines. I have to confess I only use the OSX firewall on my Macs and that's not screwed down really tightly. I like Kerio on the Windows systems because it also has a configurable web filter that cuts out popups, dodgy script and cookies. It's also free for personal use.