Hardware Firewall vs Software Firewall. Read on...

Although this article is titled "Hardware Firewall vs Software Firewall", there is really no competition between the two forms of protection. Both technologies analyze the the data entering and exiting your computer. In addition, they are able to ignore all unsecured online traffic thus keeping invaders, virus, and hackers from entering your PC.

Hardware Firewall Features

Hardware firewall use a packet filtering system to determine the source and destination of your online traffic. It compares this data to predefined data you have provided for filtration. Hardware firewall are usually stand alone products, such as routers. Hardware firewalls are installed externally. Existing outside your computer also makes it extremely difficult to be hacked into.

One of the great advantages of hardware firewalls is ability to plug and play into a network. It can easily be configured with to protect a network of computers, not just one. So, when thinking in terms Hardware firewall vs Software firewall, the hardware firewall easily wins out. Most routers come with a minimum of four ports for network.

However,one negative about hardware firewall is the need to test them with software. This can be a bit troublesome depending on the particular product. Also, to configure the hardware to give you the optimum settings may require a bit more knowledge than simple software install. So, software may win out for ease in the battle of hardware firewall vs Software firewall.

Software Firewall Features

Software firewalls require that you installation on the computer system. It will protect your computer from outside attempts to control or gain access your computer, and, depending on your choice of software firewall, it could also provide protection against the most common Trojan programs or e-mail worms.

The software gives users complete control of their internet traffic usually with a nice user friendly interface that requires little or no knowledge. So in the game of hardware firewall vs software firewall, software usually wins out in the subcategories of ease of setup and user friendliness. Zone Alarm Pro is the industry leader. It is one of the best and easiest software firewall to set up

However, software firewall usually requires individual installation on each computer which make it a bit of a hassle to install on a network. Also you must keep your software firewall up to date to get full protection

The winner of "Hardware Firewall vs. Software Firewall"?

Well, really there is no winner. You should have both on your system. In the game of hardware firewall vs software firewall, both technologies have there advantages and disadvantages. However for the sake of comparison take a look at this summary.

All in all, both are needed to protect your computer online. I recommend you start with software and move to hardware. If hardware firewall vs software firewall seem a bit frustrating, try all in one easy internet security suite. Click here to visit the Total Net Shield website