Generic Host Process

I was recently told to deny access to this service since it could be used for malicious purposes and generally make some things unsecure, although it can also be used for simple and wanted things. I did that and it was fine for quite a while, yet recently I did a fresh install of windows and if I don't give it at least internet access with Zonealarm Pro I can't access internet Explorer and other things, yet before I was able to deny it that access and also able to use those services... Any ideas on what could bring this difference?

 

Oh ok, how does one block the ports he suggested using a hardware firewall, like a linksys router?

 

I second the question about blocking firewall ports.