Help with Firewall software & overseas travel

[Spilchy]

My brother is moving out of the country.

I got him a new laptop and installed all the spyware and anti-virus software and security updates.

My question concerns a software firewall - Kerio to be exact. I want to install it so when he is in an internet cafe or wireless hot spot, he can surf with security.

What is the likelihood that the firewall may interfere with his wireless ability to connect to the Internet, not to mention possible interference from connecting via a wired network (cable or DSL).

My concern is that somehow since he'll be overseas, there may be a glitch caused by the firewall software with a foreign network design.

Do I have a legitimate concern? Or will he be ok for the most part. Unfortunately he is NOT tech savvy, so if he can't connect, he'll be clueless. I already typed out instructions on how to run updates and use the spyware programs, etc...

Thanks!

[Neo62381]

IMO, for the average Joe PC user, I would just use the built in windows firewall. Instead of feeding the CPU with another process or two, or three to run.

[paul34]

He'll be fine. There shouldn't be any problems... although I personally don't have experience with Kerio, I'm sure it prompts upon connecting to a new network and would automatically configure itself for the new network (like Zone Alarm).

Also, I will have to respectfully disagree with the suggestion to just use WinXP's built-in software. IMO its about as much protection as Kleenex.

[Spilchy]

Originally Posted by paul34

Also, I will have to respectfully disagree with the suggestion to just use WinXP's built-in software. IMO its about as much protection as Kleenex.

That's why I posted my question. Thanks for the help!

We'll give it a whirl. Hopefully he'll be fine.

[Prometheus]

I don't forsee any issues Splichy. That being said, I'm not a maven of oversees travel, but the same basic connection priciples and hardware exist the worldover for internet connectivity, so I don't see a problem arising. If all else fails, Kerio is really easy to temporarily shut off.

Edit: I think I've said this before on this forum, but one of the biggest security favors you can do yourself is to set up the regular "user" account as a limited account. Disable any ability to install software or make major OS changes and when spyware/malware goes to install itself it can't because it doesn't have the permission. That will eliminate 80% of the headache associated with security. A firewally is great and an integral part of the security envelope, but I think permissions are an even larger part.