[Veltliner]

In my broadband internet connection, using a Linksys-Cisco WRT54GL, I have two options for a firewall.

1. OS X firewall.

2. Router firewall.

I currently have the router firewall OFF, and OS X firewall ON with stealth mode activated.

I just read through the router's firewall description, and I was impressed by the fact that the router can hide the ports. It's probably the same thing as the stealth mode in OS X (but Apple has always been very good at naming things).

Which one is better, or are they equal?

Thanks.

[Big Mac]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firewall lists the types of Firewalls. Port hiding and stealth mode are most likely identical techniques. I personally don't like the Stateful (packet filtering) firewall in OS X because I find it very limited, but if you are happy with it then that's great.

[OreoCookie]

Personally, I don't like Leopard's new firewall. Just download Flying Buttress (which is the new name of Brickhouse, the developer had to change the name) and configure the `old' firewall ipfw. It's not noisy (no pop-ups) and just works. If you have a cheap router, anything below $100 or $200, then the router's firewall is not very effective.

You can keep both on.

[Big Mac]

I like the idea of application level filtering, but it seems like Little Snitch does a better job than what Apple provided.

[OreoCookie]

I don't mind the idea, but I kept on getting popups asking for authorization (my default user is a non-privileged user). Hence, I switched back to the old firewall.

[Veltliner]

Huh, I'm still on Tiger 10.4.11.

Would that make my firewall still useable?

Can you attach the Flying Buttress to 10.4.11?

So, if I have a rather weak 10.4.11 firewall, does it make sense to add the rather weak firewall of my router? 2 firewalls - doesn't that slow down the internet connection?