[JazzCatDRP]

Hey all,
I recently activated the built-in firewall, as I got a wireless router and was concerned for my computer's privacy. Shortly thereafter, I started noticing that my computer was running significantly slower. When I turn off the firewall, I'm pretty sure it speeds back up. Is this normal, or is something wrong? I am running on an old G3 powerbook 333 MHz, so that may have an effect, I dunno. Any advice?

[Cadaver]

Seems odd. The firewall shouldn't slow anything down.

What was running slow? Internet apps? All apps? Are you low on RAM and perhaps restarted in between?

[bborofka]

Why are you running a firewall? Are you even running any services? Your wireless router probably has one built in so there's nothing to worry about.

[JazzCatDRP]

I did try restarting before I turned off the firewall and had the same slowness. All apps were affected, though Safari moreso than the others. Is the wireless router's built-in firewall really that effective, that the MacOS firewall wouldn't add much protection? I dont know much about that kind of thing.

[Detrius]

If you don't have your Mac set up as the DMZ, then your router's firewall is more than enough.

Also, the Mac OS X firewall is software. It takes processor cycles to run. It would make sense that it could slow your machine down--if you are at the low end of the spectrum, which you are. I've never noticed anything, though.