Framerates or Firewalls ?

[frenchbuck]

I've experimented with FS 2004 and noticed that when I close my firewall, I gain anywhere between 10 and 15 frames per second. This is quite a jump but I'm not sure if I want to leave my computer open to trouble just to get better game play. My aveage FPS with a firewall are 25 to 30 FPS and without the firewall are 45 to 50 FPS. What would you guys do?

[ozzy72]

If I'm not flying online then the firewall comes off

[Fly2e]

I never even knew that a firewall could effect frame rates  ::)

I guess you learn something every day!  ;D

Dave

[Iroquois]

My suggestion is to keep the firewall and anti-virus up if you're constantly connected to the internet. Like all good things in life its best to have protection.  ;)

[ozzy72]

Like all good things in life its best to have protection

Aye, speaking as the father of a 1 month old I have to agree with this statement!

[scott-bansheerider]

Just unplug the modem and take the firewall off, aslong as your not playing online.

[ozzy72]

In my opinon turning firewalls off is just asking for trouble!

With cable it dosen't matter if you are flying online or not, your still connected.

frenchbuck:  Do you see any real change in performance with the higher frame rates? Also which firewall are turning off. Most modems have a built in firewall, and then there is a firewall within M$.

I have both, but the one in M$ is off, but the one in the modem is always on.

If you really want to fly without a firewall then by all means follow Scott's advice and disconnect the modem.

Steve

[frenchbuck]

Hi SteveWilson. Yes I do see Quite a big differance without a firewall. Thanks to all for your answers. Un-plugging the modem thing is something I'll try. Sometimes the answer is right in your face and you can't see it. So simple that it made me chuckle

[Politically Incorrect]

I personally don't belive a firewall would have anything to do with it.
After all a firewall only controls (blocks) incoming or out going info from you computer, frame rates are not information that is being transfered from your computer or another or vice versa. The only thing I can see a firewall doing is using system resources but not enough to effect framerates.
But it is true that the least amount of "back ground" programs running will boost frame rates sometimes dramatically, so if your not connected to the Internet than yes do turn it off, the biggest hit in frame rates from back ground programs I have experianced is from anti-virus software, which also should be disabled if not connected to the internet.
I don't use cable so I will have to belive those who do about even if the internet is disconnected that you are always "live" so I would also recommend thier advice as to leaving the firewall and anti-virus on!
This is the reason I have never got to experiance and enjoy multi-player flying, my computer isn't strong enough to fly smoothly with my anti-virus and frewall on so I solo

[ozzy72]

The firewall and anti-virus use up a hunk of memory, for those of us who only have 512mb RAM it can make a significant difference.
If I'm not online then I turn the modem off anyways, so no problem

[budboy]

If you are not uploading or downloading,why leave the Antiivirus on,i shut mine down all the time.Dont FS9 just update weather anyway?

[stevewilson]

The big problem is if you are on cable. If your firewall or antivirus are turned off, you just asking for trouble from a hacker.

I'm on cable and have the firewall for the modem on at all times, the one in XP is off. But my antivrus is always on.

Steve

[Chris_F]

You can get a router with firewall for $20 or so.  You could just use it as a hardware firewall between you and the modem and turn off the software firewall.  Unplugging the modem will always provide the most effective firewall, but you may forget to turn the software firewall back on when you're done.