Windows XP firewall

RichardJones · #1 July 20th, 2003, 12:55 PM

Hello

I am finally having to use my computer extensively for internet work. I had never really bothered with it before because I could use the computers at the university I was at. Now I am going to use it extensivley I am thinking about firewalls. What do people think of win XP's firewall? I have use zone alarm before and had good experiences with it. Which should I use?

Thanks
RIchard

**Tweaker** · #2 July 20th, 2003, 01:28 PM

Hey Richard

XP's firewall is fine for what it is, but it only blocks inbound traffic. If you want something that monitors programs and outgoing traffic then use something else, or both. Personally I use Zone Alarm Pro, it does the job.

dohray · #3 July 20th, 2003, 01:30 PM

Hi Richard,
This is purely a personal opinion but I would go for Zone Alarm. If you can afford it or have no qualms about buying software when there are free versions about, buy ZA Pro.

I'm not convinced of XP's firewall.

You could run XP's firewall and take Steve Gibson's Shields UP. and his Leak test
Then try the two with Zone Alarm.

RichardJones · #4 July 20th, 2003, 01:34 PM

Hi guys
Thanks for the replies.

dohray do you recommend using several programs then? I dont want them to conflict and cause more trouble.

Richard

dohray · #5 July 20th, 2003, 02:20 PM

Sorry about any confusion Richard.
No, just use one firewall. Just that if you have the time or are inquisitive, you could use XP's firewall first and make a note of the results of the test's. Then disable it, install Zone Alarm and run the test's with that.
Choose whichever one you think is the better one.

Or as Tweaker and I both use ZA Pro, give that a whirl.

tramtwo · #6 July 21st, 2003, 12:39 AM

I use to use Sygates free firewall. It has great features. I am now a happy ZA Pro user. Well most of the time I am happy with it.

A firewall is a must no matter what type of connection you have.