difference between pfsense and an antivirus?

[vivelasieste]

Hello,

I'm not really good at computers and I need help please. I tried to do my own research, but the too technical language is really hindering my understanding.

So I read that pfsense was a firewall. Looking at the definition of firewall, I find "a system to protect the computer from external intrusions via the internet or local network". So a firewall is an antivirus? And pfsense an antivirus?

But I also saw that pfsense offers other features. I'm in the process of setting up a project and obviously my data will be stored on my computer, hence the importance for me to have good computer security.

Thanks : )

[DaddyGo]

@vivelasieste

Hi,

Not, pfSense is not AV software or similar, NGFW is a much more serious IT solution, thing, etc......
It definitely assumes IT proficiency!

[JKnott]

@vivelasieste

Antivirus checks files on a computer, to see if they're "infected" with what's often referred to as malware, that is software designed to cause harm. A firewall, such as pfSense allows or blocks connection attempts from elsewhere. Typically, they're initially configured to block everything and then you create exceptions to allow only what you want to be allowed in. You can have firewalls on routers, such as with pfSense, or on individual computers. Windows, Linux, etc. all have firewalls built in. Of course, for best security, you'd have firewalls on both.

[vivelasieste]

@JKnott said in difference between pfsense and an antivirus?:

Antivirus checks files on a computer, to see if they're "infected" with what's often referred to as malware, that is software designed to cause harm. A firewall, such as pfSense allows or blocks connection attempts from elsewhere. Typically, they're initially configured to block everything and then you create exceptions to allow only what you want to be allowed in. You can have firewalls on routers, such as with pfSense, or on individual computers. Windows, Linux, etc. all have firewalls built in. Of course, for best security, you'd have firewalls on both.

Thank you for the explanation.

Are these configurations easily achievable without the risk of making mistakes?

[JKnott]

@vivelasieste

AV software is pretty much install & run. However, a firewall/router often requires some configuration and it is possible to make mistakes if you don't know what you're doing.

[vivelasieste]

@JKnott said in difference between pfsense and an antivirus?:

AV software is pretty much install & run. However, a firewall/router often requires some configuration and it is possible to make mistakes if you don't know what you're doing.

Okay, I'd better get someone to set this up for me when the time comes.

I'll learn by then.