A firewall can slow things down, but if you're talking about something like
one of those cable/DSL router/switch devices that sits between your computer
and your cable modem, it may only barely be measureable.  In fact, I'd say
that the worst case slowdown, having firewall software installed on your PC
(such as ZoneAlarm or BlackIce) would only be noticed by doing some sort of
benchmark, not by actually observing a slowdown.

Your ISP's proxy/firewall system may provide some protection from traffic
outside of their network, but you are probably still exposed to all of the
traffic either within the home.com network, or at the least, on the network
segment that connects your neighborhood.  So I guess my answer to the second
part is, no, I don't believe the statement.

Drew Dunn
The NOSPIN Group

-----Original Message-----

   The recent talk about Firewalls in general and Zone Alarm
specifically makes me wonder... Does installing a firewall
on a cable modem affect the performance while browsing,
downloading files, etc.?  If so, is it noticeable?

Also, my ISP (Home.com) uses a proxy/firewall on their network,
according to their techs, and therefore a personal firewall
isn't necessary.  Anyone believe this statement?

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