Snow Leopard Firewall?

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Snow Leopard Firewall?

Hello! New convert here. I just bought my first iMac; I connect directly to the Internet with a cable modem (no router).

I was wondering about the firewall settings. If I check "Block all incoming connections" in the advanced settings of the Snow Leopard Firewall, I notice that Stealth Mode option becomes grayed out...does this mean my computer will not respond to ping requests, or that it will simply "block" them?

Can someone confirm for me that the "Block All Incoming" setting stealths my computer? I do not know anything about ping requests and I really prefer not to visit those firewall testing sites if I can avoid it because I am paranoid. Thanks for any info.

Jane

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.5)

Posted on Dec 6, 2010 6:15 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 6, 2010 7:35 AM in response to Jane_b

I know this won't help at all, but i just wanna share this thought: i bought two iMacs just because I wouldn't have to use a firewall or antivirus software ever again (before i was using PCs with Windows).

If you connect directly to the internet and you do not have other computers at home, then I don't think anything can happen (because all kinds of "Sharing" is OFF by default).

And judgding from my former knowledge of Windows Firewalls - blocking all incoming connections is a no-no, because essentially you're cutting yourself off internet.

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Answer 2

CT

Level 7

24,239 points

Dec 6, 2010 7:47 AM in response to Jane_b

Stealth mode will be checked (and greyed) in the advanced part of the Security preference pane when you check the "Block all incoming connections" box. In this mode the computer will act as if it is not there for unwanted incoming traffic.

"Block all incoming connections" does not interfere with normal internet usage. Mail, web browsing, iChat, Skype, connecting to servers, etc. all will work fine.

charlie

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Answer 3

Jane_b Author

Level 1

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Dec 6, 2010 10:02 AM in response to CT

Hmmm...seems that other people are reporting a bug in System Profiler whereby Stealth Mode is supposedly turned on but Profiler does not reflect that fact.

Has anyone actually confirmed via a firewall test (eg Shields Up) that "Block all incoming connections" does make you invisible? Maybe it isn't a Profiler bug but a firewall bug.

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Answer 4

CT

Level 7

24,239 points

Dec 6, 2010 10:27 AM in response to Jane_b

The system profiler bug is well-documented and harmless.

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3052

charlie

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