Technology Is the Windows XP SP2 firewall good enough?

[Stroganoff]

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...or should I supplement it with another firewall program? I like how the Service Pack 2 version of the firewall allows application-specific filtering as well as port-specific filtering.

Should I bother to get ZoneAlarm or other free firewalls? I'm connected on campus, and I'm usually on 24/7.

 

[southerndoc]

I'm a fan of Norton's firewall.

 

[Doctor Wyldstyle]

I think it is. Besides, most people don't even have a firewall to begin with. I say run it if that's all you got. I'm assuming you have anti-virus programs too.

 

[GATORade]

Quick follow up question: I know it isn't good to run two software firewall programs, but how about a software firewall and a hardware firewall? I am currently running Windows XP firewall along with a hardware firewall built into my router. Should I be running both of these at the same time or only one? And if only one, which one is better? Thanks guys. 😉

 

[DDS2BE]

First of all, it's better to have some firewall running than nothing at all. But the best solution would be to run some hardware firewall and router would be the cheapest way. Now, let's say you have some Trojan or worm sitting on your computer that is trying to communicate with other computers through the internet to infect them or to send out information about your computer, then a software firewall would take place and detect that unsolicited communication attempt.

The answer is yes, both hardware and software firewalls will keep you protected, unless you spend $5,000 on a hardware stand-along firewall unit 😀

 

[GATORade]

I appreciate the reply. 🙂

 

[Programmer Sys]

GATORade ,

The best possible "Spyware free" or "MS Snoop Free" or "WMI FREE" way of using a firewall is:

Disable Windows Firewall.
Use a Router Firewall !

Do not use both at same time.
Only USE "Router Firewall" if Both Windows Firewall & Router are Options.
Router is way more secure.
While Windows Firewall Is Just Hacking You If Enabled.
(Possible to hack you thru enabling your registry if your on Admin Account.)
Specially with SP2.

Good Luck.

Sincerely, Sysopo.

P.S. Also, Zone Alarm Pro is good. For the money! (they are WMI soon)
Zone alarm free version sucks and is also hackable. ZA Pro is not hackable.