Broadband / Firewall question

Just gone broadband (via NTL digital set top box), and was wondering if I need a firewall above and beyond the Windows XP firewall?

Anyone suggest a good one?

 

If you want to go the software way,then try KERIO PERSONAL (http://www.majorgeeks.com/article.php?sid=738)free firewall ..but the best ones are always the hardware ones.. any NAT device will do. (Router). I personally don't bother with the XP built in firewall because it is bare bones and basic.

 

I use two... the hardware firewall in my router. and then Zone Alarm free version...

Works fine for me

This is probably the best site out there for security
GRC Security
Here is some more info:

Fire wall page

Surf safe
Curtis

 

this is true.... a hardware firewall on the router will stop incoming. but it does nothing for outgoing....

I guess I am just paranoid.. I don't want any software connecting to the 'net without my permission..

Curtis

 

As long as you monitor everything you introduce onto your computer you should be fine with only an incoming firewall.

My experience has been terrible with firewalls. Every time I try to update a program an annoying pop up would appear asking me if I wanted to allow this program to access the internet.

 

Kind of like those popups, since they allow me to control what programs should access the Internet. Guess everyone have their level of paranoia