Windows XP built in firewall

[Ben Humphreys]

I just use the firewall that comes with WinXP. Is this superior or inferior to brands such as Norton? I don't want to spend money to duplicate or screw up what I have.

[Urban_Squrill]

Well I think its a joke.

Winxp will only block incoming connections to the computer.

it will not block outgoing information which is an important thing. this way you have control over what goes out. if you want zonealarm has a free version for home users that works pretty well. Not the best to configure as its has very limited options.

personally i wouldn't trust winxp firewall as far as i can throw it. I would disable it and get something better

http://grc.com/intro.htm

test it and see what comes up.

Urban_Squrill you might want to put some more effort into the post instead of trying to raise that almighty number. I suggest giving some info or link to maybe help the person. unless you have some expertise in network Security

[twiztidtruckie]

XP firewalls are a joke...they have been bypassed so often i dont even bother using mine. Try this one out.

www.sygate.com and download the free firewall...allows you to block anything you thinks supicious, and etc...

good luck, youll need it if you keep using XP firewall setups...lol!!!



Truckie, Juggalo King!!!

[Atomic Rooster]

Hey GZ3 -
I have tested the built-in XP firewall on GRC and it comes up as "Stealth". But you are correct in that it doesn't block outgoing crud.

Zone Alarm is only better due to the fact that it does block the outgoing crud. If you are concerned about the possible outgoing transmissions, I would suggest getting a firewall such as Zone Alarm or from Sygate.

[twiztidtruckie]

RE:Zone Alarm is only better due to the fact that it does block the outgoing crud...

Yes, it does block outgoing crud, but it also still has trouble. it allows outgoing crud to slip through when you connect through dial up. Sygate has a much more advanced firewall

Sygate gets my vote over zone alarm...

Truckie, Juggalo King!!!

twiztidtruckie link to what you said? im interested in reading about this.

[twiztidtruckie]

its a personal situation ground zero. it happened with my good friends computer...he had zone alarm setup, and proceeded to connect to the internet, via dial - up, and zone poped a message, out going transmission recieved, and it was not for the dial up company(aol), and there was about 20 pop unders under the first message, with similar sayings, all with different outgoing crud transmissions. Not sure exactly what they were but i know the were definately not for the isp.

With sygate, we have not had any similar situations, and hes been using it quite a while now.

Truckie, Juggalo, King!!!

[Ben Humphreys]

Gentlemen, I thank you kindly for your replies. This is what the forums are all about. Thanks again now I know how to proceed.