Topic: Hardware vs software firewalls

[Lepton]

For some time now I have been running my computer in the router's DMZ as to avoid port forwarding/triggering and using a software firewall (ZoneAlarm).  Recently after upgrading ZoneAlarm, I have found I cannot log onto a dynaverse server with ZoneAlarm on (not the case in the past).  So I took the computer out of the DMZ, opened the proper ports, and shut down ZoneAlarm, and could connect to a server.  That led me to ask myself if the software firewall is even necessary at this point.

Could someone comment on the pluses and minuses of software and hardware firewalls?  It would seem that hardware firewalls on a simple wireless router should be relatively ineffective in blocking attacks or trojans and are not updateable whereas software firewalls have all of the previous features.  Should I keep the software firewall?  Ditch it?  What do I need to know to make such a decision?  Thanks.

[Javora]

Just a quick responce, I don't even use a software firewall anymore.  I have a very good hardware firewall that does what I need.  People just has to find a hardware firewall that uses NAT and SPI protection otherwise you are wasting your money.