punkster wrote:
- I read somewhere that Windows XP includes firewall
- protection.
-
- Is this true?


Yep, thats true.




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Hi

Yes, it does, but it's a minimal one, a consensus of user's seem prefer to install a different firewall that gives complete protection.


Bev

Thought I'd post this. If you guys want to comment on it go ahead. I use norton firewall and xp firewall both at the same time. I have a friend who uses my computer and, well, the last time he used my other computer he gave this other guy my IP address and he got in there messed with my stuff. Since this friend of mine is illiterate to some extent with computers I thought it would be safer for me to have two so in case he found out how to disable norton which is always on the taskbar, he would have a tough time finding how to disable xp firewall.

Thanks Bev and Ole for the info. This firewall stuff is new to me. Why is considered minimal and what should I do about it? Do I need to purchase a separate firewall program? Which one? Do they offer better protection? What do they protect? Hope these arent stupid questions, but I dont know anything about this stuff other than I need the firewall.

Thanks mucho!!!

hey
xp firewall doens't block outgoing traffic only incoming
ZoneAlarm is pretty good and it's free
for a list of firewalls go here
http://www.wilders.org/firewalls.htm

- Why is considered minimal

It only limits inbound connections, not outbound ones. Which is completely sufficient, in particular since it is trivial to circumvent the outbound detection of the supposedly better third-party products.

- what should I do about it?

Nothing, there is no need for it.

- Do I need to purchase a separate firewall program?

No, that would be a waste of money. This recent pre-occupation with personal firewalls for home PCs is nothing but a silly fad.

- Which one? Do they offer better protection? What do they protect?

They serve no useful purpose, in my opinion. As long as you do not have a virus on your system, you are completely safe, even without any firewall at all.

My 0.02$.

Hi punkster,


As you may have read by now, XP's firewall will protect against incoming and not outgoing, to me it's all a question of personal preference, I use Norton's Internet Sercurity firewall, but, that's my choice and may not be yours or anyone else.


Bev


punkster wrote:
- Thanks Bev and Ole for the info. This firewall
- stuff is new to me. Why is considered minimal and
- what should I do about it? Do I need to purchase a
- separate firewall program? Which one? Do they
- offer better protection? What do they protect?
- Hope these arent stupid questions, but I dont know
- anything about this stuff other than I need the
- firewall.
-
- Thanks mucho!!!
-
-

If you want something simple to set up then go with Zone Alarm. If you want to get deep into security and learn all about ports and such then try Tiny peronal Firewall at the following link. Some people prefer this firewall but it is very complex to set up the rules for it.

http://www.tinysoftware.com/home/tiny?s=796156550181171116A0&la=EN&va=aa&pg=download

FYI Both are free for personal use

Regards

Kdog


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Windows XP (10/30/2001)

punkster wrote:
- Thanks Bev and Ole for the info. This firewall
- stuff is new to me. Why is considered minimal and
- what should I do about it? Do I need to purchase a
- separate firewall program? Which one? Do they
- offer better protection? What do they protect?
- Hope these arent stupid questions, but I dont know
- anything about this stuff other than I need the
- firewall.
-
- Thanks mucho!!!
-

Hi punkster:

No, you don't need to purchase a fire wall.. Just download a FREE copy of ZoneAlarm. It is the best and will pass every test that is on the internet. Like the others have said the XP firewall only protects you from the incoming. I'm behind my router but I wouldn't think of being online without ZoneAlarm.

BTW, there is no such thing as a stupid question... just maybe some stupid answers. I like the way you came back and asked all the questions... guess you noticed on your first post I only answered the question you asked.

Good luck!






Dimension 8200 @ 1.8GHz
In Service 12/06/01
512MB RDRAM
40GB, HD
21 in. P1130 Trinitron Monitor
Windows XP Home
Toshiba PCX1100 Cable Modem
Linksys BEF SR41 Router
IE 6.02, Communicator 4.9 and 6.2
Zone Alarm (Free)
Criminals love gun control

so are y'all saying that norton firewall- i've got the 2004 version- would be better than the new firewall that windows xp service pk 2 has?  i have been really tortured over which one to keep. i have already found out that if i have both enabled a lot of programs won't work. thanks in advanced for any relpies