xp firewall or another?

Hi all,
is the xp pro firewall any good or should another be used instead? if so, what is the best freeware firewall that you would recommend?

 

Depends on who you ask, and a person's skill with the OS and what not.

I personally think the XP firewall is sufficient...for me. However, I'm behind a router with an intrusion detection system, and have my crap locked down. In addition, I keep a close eye on my internet activity. Etc, etc, I'm not gonna write a novel.

For most, the XP firewall probably isn't sufficient. My personal favorite alternative, that in my opinion does a great job, is Sygate.

http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?id=34&sort=25

 

Hi, gfrumusa

My only problem with the Windows Firewall is it, as I understand it, is a "one-way" firewall, in that it blocks stuff coming IN to your PC, but doesn't do a lot about stuff getting OUT. If, like Adrynalyne, you are behind a hardware firewall, this is less of a concern - but if you are hooking your PC direct to the internet (or are on a LAN) I recommend using a different software firewall.

I too like Sygate - but I am a bit worried about it's longevity since Symantec (The makers of Norton products) absorbed them some time ago. The free firewall is no longer supported or updated. The version here at MG dates back to Oct 2004. To be honest, I am not a software expert so this may be a baseless concern on my part.

I also like ZoneAlarm free, and it's my firewall of choice at this time. The only problems I have heard about it concern new releases - sometimes I think they issue them before all the bugs are worked out, as many users report problems with new versions. I tend to run one or two versions behind, waiting till the next version above mine has been "in the wild" for a bit. I personally have had no bad experience with ZoneAlarm.

There are other free firewalls (most available on this site) but Sygate and ZoneAlarm are the only two I have experience with.

Good Luck

 

great replies, thanks guys

 

Lots of Firewall choices, both free and shareware at http://www.majorgeeks.com/downloads34.html

I personally use ZA free and keep it up to date, via MG downloads usually.
It is simple and unobtrusive, once you have it trained.

It will annoy hell out of you for the first few days until it is taught, by you, what programs you are using, and that they are safe to always contact the Net (or deny access, as the case may be)

Bazza