I was wondering the risks, if any, of running Lime Wire w/o a firewall.

the list of reasons to use a firewall at all times is too long to list....let's put it this way, I've repeatedly said "I'd feel naked without a firewall up and running"....other's might prefer to use the term stupid...

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So Long and Thanks for All the Files
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Is this "list" somewhere I can read for myself?

Take a look at this link...

Home User Security: Your First Defense

P.S. Are you having trouble running Limewire with a firewall?

No problems. Just curious about running Lime Wire as an exception in my firewall progs. Should I be Worried? Is there a history of problems from running lime wire w/o a firewall. I know you can't direct connect behind a firewall, so, I was just wanting to know what some of you guys thought about running Lime Wire this way. I've noticed it's been recommended for connection problems. So, Is there a big threat?

DarthPat

Like the other replies to your query, I too believe it is stupid (nay, criminal) to run your PC at anytime you are on the internet or P2P network without a firewall.

For example, every 12 - 15 minutes an unprotected PC is being hacked somewhere in the world, that PC, once compromised can be used as a zombie, i.e. used in DOD attacks against online gambling and financial institutions, your ID can be stolen (and sold on) for fraudulent purposes and, of course, your PC can be used for any number of criminal activities without you knowing about it.

Those are only a few of the things that can happen but if you do not care about your own security and/or have very little stored on your PC of any value then such things as firewalls and anti-virus apps are an irrelevance.



UK Bob

I was helped by a member here to open up my limewire, to get that brick wall out from in front of the globe. I understand that I can do some things now that I could not before, but are you saying that I undo what I just did?

Silinship

You asked:No, of course not. You were helped to configure your firewall and modem/router to allow LW access to the internet by opening certain ports when required, i.e. your system will open certain ports when requested by LW and not before.

Likewise, whenever you configure your firewall to let certain apps access the internet you are, in fact, telling your firewall to let those apps through when they make a request. Those ports are not permanently open and so you and your PC are quite safe.

The only thing I would suggest you now do is get a copy of Peer Guardian 2, which is free, it's an IP blocker which sits behind your firewall and block the myriad of computer companies and government agencies that use your P2P access to rummage around inside your PC.



UK Bob

OK Bob, thanks. I figured none of you would steer me wrong. The person who helped me was very nice and hopefully will still help me with a few other problems I have.

I already have Peer Guardian, but keep those suggestions coming.
Thanks again.

Finally someone who understood the question I was asking from the beginning.