Third Party Firewall Still Recommended?

Daddyman

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Third party software firewalls still have their place, for the right kind of user.

For advanced, well-informed users (not intending to be snarky), is a third party software firewall still a good idea? Or can we rely on Windows 8's own firewall in combination with anti-virus software?

I like to run a lean configuration, within reason, to try to prevent unnecessary layers of software from 'getting in the way' of a smooth experience.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
Unlike Windows Defender, I think stock Fwall is just fine for most usage, others might give you better/easier control if needed but that's all. For anything better you'd have to go to hardware FW.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home made
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen7 2700x
    Motherboard
    Asus Prime x470 Pro
    Memory
    16GB Kingston 3600
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus strix 570 OC 4gb
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 960 evo 250GB
    Silicon Power V70 240GB SSD
    WD 1 TB Blue
    WD 2 TB Blue
    Bunch of backup HDDs.
    PSU
    Sharkoon, Silent Storm 660W
    Case
    Raidmax
    Cooling
    CCM Nepton 140xl
    Internet Speed
    40/2 Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    WD

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 7 32, Win 7 64 Pro, Win 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    It's a Dell, Dude.
    CPU
    Intel Caffinated Core Duo
    Motherboard
    Father is bored too.
    Memory
    4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia something-or-another
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" HD TV/Monitor/Alternative Dimensional Viewing Portal
    Screen Resolution
    Fuzzy after a couple drinks
    Hard Drives
    2 or 3, depending on if it's a night they're arguing about having a "split personality crisis" because I partitioned the drive.
    Case
    Don't get on my case....man
    Cooling
    Scotch on the rocks on the weekends..
    Keyboard
    Mad Catz Cyborg V7. Or maybe Cyborg Catz Are Mad At V7's??? I know it lights up...far out.
    Mouse
    currently being stalked by the cat...
    Internet Speed
    Never fast enough...
    Browser
    Defeated by Mario...wait...OH...BRowser...
    Antivirus
    Various
If you already have a router and/or hardware firewall, then windows firewall in its default configuration is redundant. It blocks incoming traffic which is done better by hardware, but doesn't block any outgoing traffic. This is fine for most users, all your programs can access internet but you are still hidden from attacks/exploits via open ports.

If you want to control outgoing connections (meaning to decide which programs can access internet) then you either have to configure windows firewall to do so (more info here : http://www.eightforums.com/system-s...ty-firewall-recommendations-2.html#post312060). Or you install a 3rd party firewall which usually block incoming and outgoing by default.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 (x64)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
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