WinXP SP2 Firewall or Zone Alarm Freebee Firewall

[ICU]

What are the pros and cons for using either WinXPO SP2 firewall or the
Freebee Zone Alarm Firewall?
Inquiring minds want to know, well at least this inquiring mind would like
to know.(G)

TIA

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

What are the pros and cons for using either WinXPO SP2 firewall or the
Freebee Zone Alarm Firewall?
Inquiring minds want to know, well at least this inquiring mind would
like to know.(G)

The Windows firewall monitors incoming traffic only. Almost any third-party
firewall will also monitor outbound traffic, stopping rogue programs trying
to call home, and is a better choice.

 

[ICU]

The Windows firewall monitors incoming traffic only. Almost any
third-party firewall will also monitor outbound traffic, stopping
rogue programs trying to call home, and is a better choice.

Thanks Ken, that's the kind of input I wanted.
Much appreciated.

ICU

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Thanks Ken, that's the kind of input I wanted.
Much appreciated.

You're welcome. Glad to help.

 

[Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]]

What are the pros and cons for using either WinXPO SP2 firewall or the
Freebee Zone Alarm Firewall?
Inquiring minds want to know, well at least this inquiring mind would like
to know.(G)

TIA

The Windows firewall blocks *inbound* traffic only, which is usually OK for
home users. Other software firewalls can block *outbound* traffic as well,
and will frequently pop up windows asking whether the user wishes to allow
application X Y or Z to access the Internet, which can be confusing if the
user doesn't know what it means. However, controlling outbound traffic can
be useful as well....much depends on your needs.

 

[ICU]

The Windows firewall blocks *inbound* traffic only, which is usually
OK for home users. Other software firewalls can block *outbound*
traffic as well, and will frequently pop up windows asking whether the
user wishes to allow application X Y or Z to access the Internet,
which can be confusing if the user doesn't know what it means.
However, controlling outbound traffic can be useful as well....much
depends on your needs.

Thanks for the reply, Knowing something is *outbound* from my computer
is just as important to me (a home user) as something *inbound*. .
Your comments are much appreciated.

 

[Pez D Spencer]

i've found windows firewall to be better than most "aftermarket"
firewalls if you're on top of your security and are scanning regularly
for softs that could transmit data out.

you could always try microsoft's one care beta. i think they're still
offering it free. it includes an enhanced windows firewall that stops
unauthorized outbound traffic.

here's the url for onecare:

http://www.windowsonecare.com/?sc_cid=mscom_srch

 

[ICU]

i've found windows firewall to be better than most "aftermarket"
firewalls if you're on top of your security and are scanning regularly
for softs that could transmit data out.

you could always try microsoft's one care beta. i think they're still
offering it free. it includes an enhanced windows firewall that stops
unauthorized outbound traffic.

here's the url for onecare:

http://www.windowsonecare.com/?sc_cid=mscom_srch

Thanks for the suggestion...looked at this program, but think I will
stay away from it for a while, never wanted to try "Beta" programs, heck
at my age I don't even buy green bananas anymore.(G)
Reply much appreciated.