Windows firewall

Firewall

Howdee. That's the thing, isn't it? You find something you like and Microsoft goes and adds it to their operating system. They may have even bought out the company that produces the product they included. Meanwhile, why not get your money's worth out of the product you purchased. It probably has more functionality than what is included in XP SP2 anyway. Running only one firewall is sufficient. It's not like you will be doubly protected.

Stick with just one, the updated version of windows firewall does a good enough job, but since you are already using and I would assume are comfortable using/configuring Sygates firewall you may as well stick with that and disable Windows Firewall.

You find something you like and Microsoft goes and adds it to their operating system.

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There always was a firewall included with XP, only pre-sp2 it wasn't enabled by default and didn't block outbound programs. One of the things that MS did with sp2 was update the firewall and enable it by default.

Firewall

If I remember correctly, it is only a matter of turning it on or off. Beyond that, additional settings are within Internet Explorer under Tools, Internet Options, where you can manage your Security and Privacy.

pl*co is correct that you only need one firewall. Software firewalls keep out most of the little kiddie hackers so pick the one that you're most comfortable with.

Don't think that you can't be hacked though. My son was playing Nox online a few years ago and pissed off a kid. Next thing you know, his machine was hosed. We were running a LAN with my machine as the gateway. The kid got in, did his stuff and left. Luckily for us, he didn't touch any of the other machines on the network. The next day, I went out and bought a router and set up a proper LAN. We've had no problems since then.

So, if you really want to keep people out of your box, get a hardware firewall. I suggest a Netgear router. Of course this doesn't make you completely secure but it's much better than a software firewall. Remember, if a hacker can't 'see' your computer, he can't hack it.

That's right, Ayrianth. Router firewalls do the trick. I am running a firewall on my SMS router. No troubles.

Here is a cheap solution for a Netgear hardware router w/firewall and wireless capability. After the rebate, it is only $22. You guys on the mainland get it shipped free to.

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=251652

Reef, that's a good deal if you want to go wireless.


Do you run a wireless lan? I'm still wired as I'm just a little paranoid. LOL