Do I need both router firewall and SW firewall?

I have one PC connected to the router by LAN and 1 through WiFi. The router is WRT54GL. The firewalls (Sygate on wired PC and Windows XP on wireless) cause some trouble with moving files across the network. However, I am not sure how to setup the router's firewall efficiently and am afraid to leave my network open if I don't use SW firewalls, especially now that I have files and printers sharing turned on.

 

I personally would run them both, it probably won't hurt too much. Maybe what you can do is disable the Windows Firewall when you need to transfer a file, but still be protected by the router. Also, your computers firewalls might be checking some other stuff than the router firewall. I would configure them both and use both when possible, other than that, pick one.

 

I would just use the regular router's firewall. I think that is sufficient.

 

I always use router firewalls and turn them off on the PCs.

 

I use both.

What you need to do is add a firewall rule that allows local traffic, your subnet (192.168.X.0, 255.255.255.0). This will be needed for both pc's.

 

The Router's firewall will protect your LAN from certain attacks from the internet, but may not stop someone that managed to connect to your WiFi / local area network (you're also using Wifi security, right?). The software firewall will help secure the individual PC from any attacks from other PCs on the LAN (either foreign or one of yours that may have become infected with something), or from attacks when the PC is on another WiFi network (ie, you use your laptop at the airport). My personal preference is to use both.

 

I am not sure how to do this in Windows SP2 firewall. Any help?