XP Pro x64 Edition Firewalls?

[Guest]

Hi,
I am looking for a firewall that is compatible with Windows XP Pro. x64.
I've looked everywhere and I can't seem to find one. I know that there is a
built in one, but I want one that is more secure.

 

[Steven Umbach]

The link below is to a beta version of Zone Alarm for XP Pro 64. I do not run it
myself so I can not comment on how well it works. -- Steve

http://download.zonelabs.com/bin/free/beta/index.html

 

[Steven Umbach]

I also want to add to be sure to read there warnings carefully and heed their
advice on backups, etc if you want to try it. This is an early beta and most
likely will have some glitches. If you are using cable/DSL you really should be
using at least an internet router as your first line of defense. --- Steve

 

[Guest]

I will take a look at that program. I will also investigate into upgrading to
using a Router with Firewall.

Thanks for your advise.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I will take a look at that program. I will also investigate into upgrading to
using a Router with Firewall.

If you use a router with NAT, it's still a very good idea to use a
3rd party software firewall. Like WinXP's built-in firewall,
NAT-capable routers do nothing to protect the user from him/herself
(or any "curious," over-confident teenagers in the home). Again --
and I cannot emphasize this enough -- almost all spyware and many
Trojans and worms are downloaded and installed deliberately (albeit
unknowingly) by the user. So a software firewall, such as Sygate or
ZoneAlarm, that can detect and warn the user of unauthorized out-going
traffic is an important element of protecting one's privacy and
security. (Remember: Most antivirus applications do not even scan for
or protect you from adware/spyware, because, after all, you've
installed them yourself, so you must want them there, right?)

When it comes to computer security and protecting my privacy, I prefer
the old "belt and suspenders" approach. In the professional IT
community, this is also known as a "layered defense." Basically, it
comes down to never, ever "putting all of your eggs in one basket."
Unfortunately, it is currently difficult finding a 64-bit software
firewall. The ZoneAlarm 64-Bit Beta looks promising, but use with caution.


--

Bruce Chambers

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for me, give me liberty, or give me death! -Patrick Henry

 

[Guest]

Thanks.

I was thinking of setting up a PC to use as a sever cross host for the
internet in my house. If I were to use this computer to download files from
3rd party websites(i.e not major sites like MS) would any virus/trojans
etc... I get be intelligent enough to cross a home network. Of course I would
install a firewall and antivirus software on this PC. What I'm saying is,
would this be any better than having a NAT firewall and software firewall on
MY pc?

Thank-you.
Seb

 

[Steven L Umbach]

Yes it is possible for malware to try to propagate across the network. If
you are going to be using a computer as a firewall it should be for that
purpose alone and hardened for that purpose. You would be better served with
an internet router or firewall device as your first line of defense. ---
Steve