Best Firewall with XP?

[zdxlc9p6 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close zdxlc9p6]

I have been using Zone Alarm for a firewall, but I have heard negative things about it. I personally haven't noticed any problems, but I'm kinda computer illiterate. What has the world out there found to be one of the best? Thanks

[timeos2 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close timeos2]

I have been using Zone Alarm for a firewall, but I have heard negative things about it. I personally haven't noticed any problems, but I'm kinda computer illiterate. What has the world out there found to be one of the best? Thanks

Zone Alarm, both the full paid version as well as the stripped down free version, are very good. What problems have you read about? I use PC-Cillin Internet Security 2006 or 2007 which has a firewall feature. It seems to work very well although it can be tricky to configure on a network. The Windows built in firewall is not secure at all (surprised?) and should be replaced with a third party product as soon as op set up a new XP PC.

[T. R. Oglodyte Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close T. R. Oglodyte]

If you're behind a router, the router normally provides a very robust firewall.

[basham Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close basham]

Agreed.

What to do with the Son who wants to online game and share music, files etc, and opens up a port or two. He is getting smarter than his old man.

So far, no prob Bob.

Is there anything out there that I can use to limit him to a certain percentage of the bandwith.?

If you're behind a router, the router normally provides a very robust firewall.

[opkansas Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close opkansas]

If you do not have a router, get one. You have the best firewall you can have. P.S. Do not ever use two firewalls.

[Arkansas Winger Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Arkansas Winger]

If you do not have a router, get one. You have the best firewall you can have. P.S. Do not ever use two firewalls.

It is OK to use a hardware firewall (Router) and a software firewall at the same time. Just do not use two software firewalls at the same time. With XP if you are running a software firewall such as Zone Alarm besure the Windows firewall is shut off.

[zdxlc9p6 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close zdxlc9p6]

It is OK to use a hardware firewall (Router) and a software firewall at the same time. Just do not use two software firewalls at the same time. With XP if you are running a software firewall such as Zone Alarm besure the Windows firewall is shut off.

Been gone for extended weekend, so thanks for the responses. How do I shut off XP if I have Zone Alarm running?

[T. R. Oglodyte Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close T. R. Oglodyte]

Been gone for extended weekend, so thanks for the responses. How do I shut off XP if I have Zone Alarm running?

From Control Panel, select "Windows Firewall". Select the option to turn it off.

[zdxlc9p6 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close zdxlc9p6]

From Control Panel, select "Windows Firewall". Select the option to turn it off.

Steve,
Thanks for the info. It's interesting that when I went to the control panel, it only shows ZA as on. At the bottom of the screen, Windows is listed, but shows as turned off. Maybe something new with the XP Service Pack 2 that does this automatically?
THX again!