firewalls: illusion or reality?

update to earlier thread . .

"it's so sophisticated it's hard to believe such things exist. . . . the computer is completely vulnerable."

even the rabbis have weighed in: "nor have we seen the worst. computerized terror attacks and warfare are surely on the way."

the temptation so great, that even the bosses can't resist . . . . . .

so, the question becomes, is there a future for the internet and firewalls; or is the computer destined for use only in physical isolation like a room air conditioner?