Configuring XP Firewall "Exceptions"?

This may be a moot question in that I am using a 3rd-party FW now, but in my Windows (XP) FW, it still appears that I am "able" to allow or deny "Exceptions" ("holes") ... would this be accurate?

If so, I am confused as to the difference (as shown in the XP FW) between; "Windows Messenger", and "Windows LIVE Messenger", and which one to select (or if I should select both?)?

I do occasionally use the Instant Messenger program from MSN, so, should they BOTH be "Open" (ticked/checked - in the XP Exceptions area AND/OR the actual FW that I have now chosen to use?)?

Lastly, I am uncertain as to whether I "should" be ("need" to be) allowing other things such as; "Printer Communication System" (dlcxcoms.exe) and "Spooler SubSystem App" (spoolsv.exe)? I don't (currently) engage in File or Printer "Sharing" online. Also, I am assuming that I should be leaving open the "Generic Host Process for Win32 Services" (svchost.exe), but what about the next (last) one on the list which is simply designated as "System"?

This is very important to me, so I would be particularly grateful, and appreciative of replies.

Thanks in advance,
G ...

 

Yes... it would be accurate. This is because you obviously haven't turned off the Windows firewall, which you should turn off if using a 3rd party FW.
As to all your other questions.... I'm not a firewall pro, but if you use the programs/services you mentioned, then they should be allowed to run normally, especially critical Windows processes and services (like svchost.exe). Printer drivers should also be added to the 'exceptions' list. I'm not a big believer in auto-updating everything that runs on my PC. I allow my AV/AS/AM to auto-update, and that's it. I do NOT auto-update Windows, drivers, nothing else except my security. I manually update Windows twice a month (or more), and rarely update drivers except when needed for a particular reason. But that's me. I'm sure there will be PLENTY of differing/opposing thoughts on the auto-update topic (which, in retrospect, has nothing to do with any of your questions rolleyes )

 

Thanks dlb, but the XP FW is off. When I go into CP and check it through "Windows Firewall", or the "Security" section - they both show it as being off.

 

Have you gone back to XP then? I thought you now had Vista.

 

Yes sir, thanks. That is what I pre-sumed, I simply did not want to @$$-ume.

 

My FW shows as being on, but clicking on that arrow to show the details, it shows that's Online Armor's FW, so the FW is supposed to show as ON, not off. the same as with the AV. See...

 

Thanks oma, but it looks like you're running Vista there (correct?). I just happen to be on my Vista machine tonight, but the other machine (the one in question) runs XP, and "I think" (?) that there is a design difference (between the two) in reference to this.

Hopefully you or someone here will straighten me out (clarify) on this ...

 

No, I'm using Win XP Home, as shown in my signature and don't have Vista. Therefore have no knowledge at all of Vista. Sorry.

Perhaps someone else who uses Vista will be able to help you out with your Vista queries?

 

Well that's interesting, because your display (in the screenshot) appears more "modern" (updated) than that of my XP.

My XP is from (mid) 2002 - how about yours?

Thanks again ...

 

Don't think that XP Home would have changed over the years though. I've got Windows version 2002 when I purchased this 2nd 'puter mid 2004.

 

Oh well, maybe it's because I tend to have my machines using older versions of display, etc., in "hopes" of saving resources (i.e. to TRY to speed things up - lol).

Thanks again,
Glenn ...