I Run a Mac / Linux / Solaris / etc. Machine - Do I Still Need a Firewall? SUMMARY: Aren't firewalls only needed for Windows machines? The answer is NO.
Contrary to popular belief, Windows is not the only vulnerable operating system. Software running on Windows is not the only type of software that is vulnerable to attacks.
Hackers target Windows-based PCs mainly because they have the greatest market share. It has its vulnerabilities, but so do other operating systems.
* Software on Solaris and Linux boxes also have to be patched on a regular basis.
* Even Macintosh-based computers require patches. Secunia has a list of Mac vulnerabilities. Though many have been patched, how safe are you if you don't have all the patches? A firewall can help block traffic that triggers the exploits.
Just because you run a different operating system does not mean that your computer is protected from all types of current and potentially future attacks. A firewall cannot protect you from all types of problems, but it lowers the chances of your machine getting attacked.
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