Why install a software firewall?

[YoKenny]

I have three systems hooked up through my ISP DSL modem router that has a built in hardware firewall.

• WinME

Its old but it was free and that's the OS it came with.

• Win XP Home SP3

Its a 2.4GHZ P4 512MB RAM system with SiteHound

• Win XP SP3

Its a2.8GHZ P4 768MB RAM system with MBAM purchased, SiteAdvisor + and WinPatrol PLUS
[/list]

I don't like a software based firewall as it slows down the browser too much.

I'm off to watch Black Adder that's coming on the telly.

[lordpake]

Why would a firewall slow down your browser? Unless of course it has some form of content filtering / AV functionality built-in that checks the traffic. But then again that wouldn't IMHO be a traditional firewall anymore.

My own current experiences come from KIS7/2009. Haven't experienced any slowdowns with that, even when using both WebAV and firewall components. The old Sygate Pro that I used to use before switching to KIS too did not slowdown browsing.

[Niecarrah]

Just simply to be SAFER online!  Nuff said!

[Aaron Hulett]

Careful... hardware firewall functions do not necessarily equate to software firewall functions.  A typical home hardware firewall (which is what I'm assuming you have) is completely blind to what software is reaching out to the web whereas a software firewall can monitor at the application level.

If you're looking for one-way firewalling, blocking suspicious traffic from coming into the home network, then your hardware firewall, properly configured, should do the job.  If you want two-way firewalling, or if you want something at the machine-level in case the hardware firewall is breached, you need to consider other options.