Inc: Choosing a Firewall: Hardware v. Software

When trying to protect your computers and networks from attack, you need to understand the pros and cons of all kinds of firewalls.

NOVEMBER 1, 2006
by Julia Scheeres

Connecting your network to the Internet without a firewall is like leaving the front door of your office wide open when you leave on vacation. Chances are high that someone will eventually walk in and steal your valuables.

Many machines and software programs come equipped with firewall programs, but when you're protecting sensitive data, it's better to know what you're getting -- and what you could have instead. A competent firewall will safeguard your business from attempts by hackers to steal confidential data, just as a locked front door deters thieves from ransacking your home. Small and mid-size business owners are increasingly opting to install firewalls for this reason, with 44 percent of such companies planning to purchase firewalls within the coming 12 months, according to a recent survey by Forrester Research, of Cambridge, Mass. The most important criteria for small and mid-size businesses is simple manageability, according to the report.

The good news is, there are just two basic types of firewalls to consider: hardware-based and software-based. Here is a rundown of how they work and why they may or may not work for you.

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