Module 2 SLP: Comparison of Software vs. Hardware Firewalls

Software vs. Hardware Firewalls:
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Comparison of software vs. hardware firewalls
A firewall is a protective system between a computer network and the internet. It prevents and blocks any unauthorized loggings. They can be hardware or software devices (Microsoft, 2016). They reduce the number of hackings into a network. It does data analysis that get into the system. They are needed for the safety of data and computers at home (Geng, 2006). To understand their differences, this paper analyses both the hardware and software firewalls and how they work in our computers, together with a comparison of the two types.
Hardware firewalls for a connection of more than six computers are purchased from producers. When a system has a large number of computers in connection, it would be better to use an already configured type for the large number. However, they would not be effective when the computers go beyond a certain set limit (Geng, 2006). For somebody using a broadband connection of four maximum computers, they have a firewall built into the router that protects up to around machines (Jaceck, 2006). Beyond that, they are not effective. That makes buying the stand alone firewall better and a sure.
When purchasing the hardware firewall, one must have some knowledge of how to configure the system to work for them. In case it fails, solutions exist in the product manual or the manufactures website pages (Campbell, 2013). Mostly, they will have the computers configured together with them so that when another one is added a new configuration is done. On the same note, an individual who does not know how to configure the firewall may need the help of an expert. Care must be taken so that he or she does not interfere with the firewall and computer security.
A software firewall is a computer application program installed in a computer. Working the same way as an antivirus it will protect the computer from Trojans and worms. The computer within which it is installed is the safe one. Other machines may need another installation (Temayko, & Hazzan, 2005). The prices of software firewalls differ from one manufacturer to another. The requirements of running a software firewall rely on the compatibility issues of the two manufacturers, the computer, and the software. Manufacturers, for fear of losing in the market, program their firewalls to be compatible with most Operating Systems (Mike, 2014).
Software firewalls have some expiry period. Frequently, one is expected to update them from the manufacturersâ&...