Trying to network two desktops

[Guest]

I've been having problems trying to network two desktops at home, which I
strongly suspect may be caused by a firewall issue from posts I've read here.
Both machines are running XP Pro SP2 with the Windows firewall enabled and I
also have Norton Internet Security 2003 installed with it's firewall turned
on. I now know from my readings that this is a bad thing. My question is,
which firewall am I better off disabling, the Windows one or the Norton?

 

[Chuck]

I've been having problems trying to network two desktops at home, which I
strongly suspect may be caused by a firewall issue from posts I've read here.
Both machines are running XP Pro SP2 with the Windows firewall enabled and I
also have Norton Internet Security 2003 installed with it's firewall turned
on. I now know from my readings that this is a bad thing. My question is,
which firewall am I better off disabling, the Windows one or the Norton?

Jason,

Both NPF and ICF will protect equally well for incoming threats. ICF provides
no protection against outgoing threats, but IMHO outgoing threats blocked or
detected at the firewall level are evidence of insufficient protection.

First, you need Layered Security. A firewall is but one component in Layered
Security.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/please-protect-yourself-layer-your.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/please-protect-yourself-layer-your.html

Second, ICF and NPF will, indeed, conflict - please don't try running more than
one simultaneously. And third, if you depend upon ICF as your protection, you
should un install NPF, don't just try deactivating it. And un install
completely, don't just run the wizard.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/your-personal-firewall-can-either-help.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/your-personal-firewall-can-either-help.html

Bottom line, if you're not going to un install NPF, deactivate ICF, from the
Security Center or ICF Control Center wizard.