Windows Firewall

[Guest]

I'm using Windows XP Pro SP2 Firewall on one my PCs,
When I run an automatic security test from symantec site I'm recieving a
report that some of my ports are open.

Is it possible to block ports via Windows Firewall without installing other
firewalls such is Norton Personal Firewall?
The problem is that this PC is old and slow, and if I install the Norton
Personal Firewall (that I use on my other PCs), this firewall will consume
all of this RAM.

 

[Leythos]

I'm using Windows XP Pro SP2 Firewall on one my PCs,
When I run an automatic security test from symantec site I'm recieving a
report that some of my ports are open.

Is it possible to block ports via Windows Firewall without installing other
firewalls such is Norton Personal Firewall?
The problem is that this PC is old and slow, and if I install the Norton
Personal Firewall (that I use on my other PCs), this firewall will consume
all of this RAM.

If you purchase a router that does NAT, and most of the cheap SOHO units
are just NAT routers, and you are using a DSL or Cable connection, your
computer will be better protected - and it does not require anything to
be running on the PC. You can also share the connection with multiple
computers inside your network when using a NAT router.

 

[Guest]

I know that,
but the question was if it can be done via Windows options or Windows
Firewall options without using any external devices (like routers) or other
firewall software.

 

[Leythos]

I know that,
but the question was if it can be done via Windows options or Windows
Firewall options without using any external devices (like routers) or other
firewall software.

Yes, and if you open the networking connection, properties, advanced,
you can see the SETTINGS for the firewall.

The reason to NOT trust it is that a malware you run on your computer
can add its ports to the exception list and get out without you knowing
about it.

Firewalls running on personal computers is much like a Condom, it can
break at any moment, and easy to break.

Don't take this wrong, and I'm trying to put this politely, but, if you
don't know enough to find the firewall settings in XP SP2, then you
don't know enough to know if your personal firewall software is doing
anything for you or not. With a router at least they can't get in unless
you invite them in, and your router can be set to block most common
ports that allow viruses to spread from your computer to others.....

A router would be a good choice for about 99% of home users, then the
SP2 firewall, and then make sure to keep Automatic Updates doing it's
work at 3AM every day. One other thing, get a quality AV product if you
don't already have one.

 

[Guest]

I understand what are you saying.
When I enther the advanced > settings in the windows firewall I can add
ports, the question is am I openning ports or closing ports?