How to use XP Firewall?

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Guest

I am new to Windows XP and understand it comes with a built-in firewall.

Should I use Norton Internet Security 2004 instead?

I have a cable modem.

Ami
 
Yes, use the superior firewall in Norton Internet Security 2004 instead.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

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| I am new to Windows XP and understand it comes with a built-in firewall.
|
| Should I use Norton Internet Security 2004 instead?
|
| I have a cable modem.
|
| Ami
|
|
 
As you already have a third-party product, using it is not an added
expense in money, but it may be in time learning.

The built-in firewall is preconfigured for the average user so that it
will be simple to use and uninposing. Many therefore also find it
limited in features, which it is, and prefer the cost in time and money
that a third-party firewall requires.

It is really up to you. With either one you are protected against
what comes at you uninvited. With the built-in anything that your
actions invites in can come in, whether you invited it knowingly
or not. WIth the third-party you often need to make configuration
settings in order for things that you want to happen, that is, to come
in, to be able to happen. For some people, this ends up meaning
that they weaking this "has it been invited in?" filtering to such an
extent that you may as well have just used the free built-in firewall.
The other difference is in logging information, which will be more
complete with a third-party product.
 
Greetings --

WinXP's built-in firewall is fine at stopping incoming attacks, and
hiding your ports from probes. It doesn't give you any alarms to tell
you that it is working, though. What WinXP also does not do, is
protect you from any Trojans or spyware that you might download and
install inadvertently. It doesn't monitor out-going traffic at all,
much less block (or at least ask you about) the bad or the
questionable out-going packets.

ZoneAlarm, Kerio, or Sygate are all much better, and are much more
easily configured, and there are a free versions of each readily
available. Even Symantec's Norton Personal Firewall is superior by
far, although it does take a heavier toll of performance then do
ZoneAlarm, Kerio, or Sygate.


Bruce Chambers

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