Generic Host Process for Win 32

[Dale]

OOOOPS.... this is the full name of
the program that frequently asks
permission to connect to internet.

Do you think I should let it connect?
Thanks
dale

 

[Peter Ericson]

The Generic Host Process (its file name is svchost.exe) is a built-in
Windows process that handles a variety of functions for other processes.
You could try to block it and see if you notice anything strange
happening. While it shouldn't be harmful to allow it Internet access, if
everything works just as well without giving svchost.exe such access,
why bother?

I only block svchost.exe from connecting to ports 135-139, 1900, and
5000 in my software firewall; it can connect to all other ports.

---Peter Ericson

 

[Dale]

Thansk for the note, Peter... I'd be interested in knowing
how you specify which ports are open and which are
blocked.... I suspect this is on your firewall. I'm using
Zone Alarm.... any ideas how I can do this?
Thanks
dale

 

[Peter Ericson]

I have never used ZoneAlarm so I unfortunately cannot help you with
this. Are you using the free version? Perhaps specifying ports is only
available in the Pro version. Hopefully someone with experience of
ZoneAlarm will reply and answer your question.

---Peter Ericson

 

[Guest]

Thanks Peter ... I'll post a new inquiry...
I appreciate your considering this...
Merry Christmas
Dale