Do I need to install a firewall on my VM?

[connect4]

I've read that as long as you have NAT set up you don't need to install a firewall. Now what if I am allowing my VM to access my network with other computers and printers attached. Do I still not need to install a firewall?

[Perryg]

Only if you fear network aware viruses. They do still exist.

[connect4]

Only if you fear network aware viruses. They do still exist.

Well I am more worried about my VM infecting my real network or the computers on my network. So basically, if I keep my VM sessions virus free, I should not worry about this concern right?

So basically the only way I can infect my real network through my VM is if I catch this virus during the VM session?

[stefan.becker]

If you are behind a router with firewall, you dont need a firewall-firewall-firewall.

[connect4]

If you are behind a router with firewall, you dont need a firewall-firewall-firewall.

K thanks that makes perfect sense, but at the same time you sorta do need a firewall for protection against other network computers. Altough that's where windows firewall comes into play.

[BillG]

if you are running your vm so that it is bridged to the physical network, it is no more or less secure than any other device on the network. So the question really is "do I need a firewall on my LAN machines".