Replace software firewall w/ SSM or AppDefend

I'm behind a NAT router and currently run Kerio 4.x (free). Since I'm behind the router's firewall, Could I replace my software firewall with Appdefend or SSM (and if so, which would you recommend and why)?

Assuming I can replace the firewall, would I still be relatively safe using AppDefend or SSM with the XP built-in firewall during those times when I'm not behind the router (e.g., wireless connection, someone else's network, etc.).

Thanks for your help.

 

SSM and AppDefend are "program/system firewalls" that allow you to control what applications can do on your system and as such, are intended to complement a software firewall rather than replace it. SSM offers no control over network activity while AppDefend's network access option is all-or-nothing, lacking the ability to limit network access by address, protocol or port which most software firewalls offer.

While AppDefend/SSM are certainly worth consideration for more experienced users, a decent software firewall is still more important in my view since virtually all malware has to make a network connection to function, and this is easier to single out.

 

If your behind a router ,you might want to consider using kerio 2.15 ,rather than 4 (for its lightness and speed),as i guess you would only be worried about application filtering really, and also SSM ,for its registry/system monitoring (also very light indeed).Its up to you whether you consider leaktest of any great importance in a firewall.If you do then be prepared to change firewalls very few months or so.SSM has the ability to stop/alert you to them anyway ,if you were unlucky/foolish enough to allow one to run.Thats the combination i use ,and all works fine together.Both kerio and SSM have md5 authentication too.I personally would prefer router+software firewall (the lighter and simpler the better)+SSm.
ellison

 

Another good combo : jetico (free + if you want it to be less noisy, set allow to process attack table) and Online Armor personal ( shareware, add web filtering, mail filtering, antispam and very good program execution watcher with rollback feature)

Regards,

 

I am using a combination of router + kerio 2 + ssm + antivir + k-meleon now and feel quite well protected. It's probably a little overkill for my needs, but they all work very well together so I'm sticking with it for the moment..