1. You are viewing our forum as a guest. For full access please Register. WindowsBBS.com is completely free, paid for by advertisers and donations.

XP Firewall enough, or do you need more?

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by mdcain, 2003/03/24.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. 2003/03/24
    mdcain

    mdcain Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2003/03/24
    Messages:
    1
    Likes Received:
    0
    So if I already activated the XP Firewall I don't need an aftermarket version......ie. zone labs etc ?????
     
  2. 2003/03/25
    Calculus

    Calculus Inactive

    Joined:
    2002/06/12
    Messages:
    113
    Likes Received:
    0
    Go here and run the test my shields and probe my ports test and see for yourself if you need another firewall. From what I hear, the windows one isn't very good
     

  3. to hide this advert.

  4. 2003/03/25
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

    Joined:
    2002/12/17
    Messages:
    6,586
    Likes Received:
    75
    From what I´ve heard the WinXP firewall only monitors incoming traffic. You will not be adviced if a program (or any software that You don´t know of) on Your computer tries to connect to the internet.

    I´ve used Zone Alarm, the free version, for 1½ years and it works well in both directions.

    I would disable the WinXP firewall and download Zone Alarm.
    There are, of course, other firewalls to choose from ...... You´ll have to pay for most of them though.

    Regards,
    Christer
     
  5. 2003/03/25
    charlesvar

    charlesvar Inactive Alumni

    Joined:
    2002/02/18
    Messages:
    7,024
    Likes Received:
    0
    Christer is correct, ICF blocks incoming only. What that means is that if malware or applications want to "phone home ", you wouldn't know about it because ICF(Internet connection firewall in MS speak) wouldn't ask permission to allow it or block it.

    BTW, at blocking incomming, its very good.

    Regards - Charles
     
  6. 2003/03/25
    Newt

    Newt Inactive

    Joined:
    2002/01/07
    Messages:
    10,974
    Likes Received:
    2
    At blocking inbound on an all-or-nothing basis, it is excellent. If you have a port closed, nothing will get thru.** And it is very simple to manage as well as being fast.

    But if someone manages to send bad stuff to a port you have open (80 for http so your browser will work for instance) ICF doesn't check packet content.

    Some of the firewalls will do what is called "stateful" inspection of packets to see if they fit with what it considers normal flow thru that port. If a packet doesn't seem to be legit, you will be warned.

    Like most other computer things, what you get depends on what you want to do and how much work you are willing to put into it.

    **unless you happen to not have good AV protection and get infected by one of the viri that can disable a software firewall without your noticing
     
    Newt,
    #5
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.