Windows XP Pro Security ?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Drew
  • Start date Start date
Drew said:
Does Windows XP Pro have a builtin Firewall or Spyware detector ??
Click to expand...

Windows XP does have a built in Firewall. I strongly recommend installing
Service Pack 2 unless you've already done so as this greatly improves the
firewall and turns it on by default (unlike prior SP2).

It doesn't have built in anti-spyware. But Microsoft currently have their
offering; Windows Defender, in beta which I strongly recommend
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

--
Paul Smith,
Yeovil, UK.
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User.
http://www.windowsresource.net/

*Remove 'nospam.' to reply by e-mail*
 
Drew said:
Does Windows XP Pro have a builtin Firewall or Spyware detector ??

drew
Click to expand...

Yes to firewall, unidirectional - only monitors in bound traffic. No to
anti malware.
 
Rock said:
Yes to firewall, unidirectional - only monitors in bound traffic. No to
anti malware.
Click to expand...

Of course. If you choose NOT to install viruses/trojans/spyware you dont
need an "outbound" feature.
 
Plato said:
Of course. If you choose NOT to install viruses/trojans/spyware you
dont need an "outbound" feature.
Click to expand...


I don't agree.

The problem is that no matter how careful you are about not installing
viruses/trojans/spyware, and how good the software you use to help stop such
installation, neither you nor the software is necessarily perfect. You can
substantially lower the risk that you have such software installed, but
there's no way to be sure you've elimininated it entirely. It's for that
reason that I recommend having a second string to your bow--a firewall that
monitors outgoing traffic as well as incoming.
 
longman said:
An excellent free firewall that monitors in and outbound traffic is
available from www.zonelabs.com
Click to expand...

It can also be compared to having a two ton block of concrete hooked
onto the back bumper of your car, insofar as overall performance is
concerned.

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."
 
Plato said:
Of course. If you choose NOT to install viruses/trojans/spyware you dont
need an "outbound" feature.
Click to expand...

Ture, but sh*t does happen. A layered approach to system security is
common sense.
 
The problem is that no matter how careful you are about not installing
viruses/trojans/spyware, and how good the software you use to help stop such
installation, neither you nor the software is necessarily perfect. You can
substantially lower the risk that you have such software installed, but
there's no way to be sure you've elimininated it entirely. It's for that
reason that I recommend having a second string to your bow--a firewall that
monitors outgoing traffic as well as incoming.
Click to expand...

But, do you agree that if you do as I say, and NOT install
viruses/trojans/spyware in the first place one may NOT need an OUTGOING
firewall.
 
Plato said:
But, do you agree that if you do as I say, and NOT install
viruses/trojans/spyware in the first place one may NOT need an
OUTGOING firewall.
Click to expand...


I agree that if you don't have viruses/trojans/spyware, etc. installed, you
don't need an outgoing firewall. What I don't agree with is that it's a
decision you can simply make not to install it. All you can do is reduce the
risk, and because you can't eliminate that risk entirely, it's a mistake not
to have the extra layer of protection that an outbound firewall offers.
 
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