Using a software firewall and hardware firewall in tandem, Part 2

I'm stumpe d.

A while back I received a question which dealt with anti-hacker protection ... with a bit of a twist. Infopackets Reader John S. asks:

" I just had my Laptop networked to my Desktop PC. I'm using a DSL connection to the Internet. I use a Linksys Cable/DSL Router, and already have Black Ice (software firewall) installed on my Desktop PC. Should I also add Black Ice to my Laptop? "

Something similar to this question was discussed in a previous Gazette issue, way back in November of 2002.

RE: Using a Software Firewall and Hardware Firewall in Tandem

In brief, this article discussed how a router is an excellent way to hide yourself from hackers on the 'net -- but may not be enough, especially if the router is flawed (Linksys had some problems a while back). Having a software firewall in addition to a router will surely add an extra layer of protection.

However, I'm not sure if this is what John is asking. Based on the wording of John's question, it's possible that he has a 1-port router used to connect his Desktop PC to the Internet, and an additional ethernet card inside the Desktop PC to connect his Laptop.

It gets a bit technical from here. Now, the question is: if the Desktop PC has a software firewall and a router connection, and the laptop PC is connected to the Desktop PC, does John need to run an additional software firewall on the Laptop?

For example: Internet connection -> Router (1 port) -> Desktop PC -> Laptop, instead of Internet connection -> Router (more than 1 port) -> Desktop PC AND Laptop.

Know the answer? Email me.

Update 2002/11/06: This article has been updated. Click here to read!