I'm running Microsoft Windows XP firewall, I would like to hear people views on this firewall - does it work?

Answer 1

As far as real protection goes windows firewall sucks. The best free firewall is and always will be Zone Alarm. It might take a little while to learn but is well worth it.

Answer 2

Im not very technically knowledgeable when it comes to firewalls , but I have found that using it cuts down malware drastically.Not long ago we had it turned off while browsing/playing games etc , and found that worms and viri had a way in.

Nowadays we do not seem to get any at all with the firewall on , except from the odd rare time .

I would suspect that a dedicated "pay for" firewall may be better at its job than the one in windows , but they can be a pain to configure I'm told , unless you really know what you are doing.

I'd suggest sticking with the one in windows and see how you go , it works great for us ( home network ) , none of our PC's get infected with it turned on.

Hope this helps

Answer 3

Microsoft Windows XP Firewall works and depends on how well you have configured it. Generally, I would recommend an appliance firewall (separate network device to perform the same function on its own resources). But if you were to utilize software based firewall, it utilize more of port blocking and not so much shunning ports. So most software based firewalls are basically the same. Win XP Firewall is the easiest to know and configure but not as advanced as the other software based firewall

Answer 4

Yes the Microsoft firewall works but you have to download all the update from windows update, because some the updates are for the firewall

Answer 5

I run it with no problem. I also use The Best --> Zone Alarm along with it and ALL of the following to protect my computer.

I use all of the following Free software with Windows XP SP2 and Internet Explorer with MSN toolbar and the pop-up blocker turned on and have never had a single problem with my computer sense Microsoft came out with SP2. (knock on wood.) (And be sure to keep Windows and the following software Updated)


The best Anti-virus is: AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition. (www.grisoft.com)

The Best Spyware defense is: SpyBot Search and Destroy (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html)<--English version

AND: AdAware SE (www.lavasoft.com)
AND Spyware Blaster (http://www.javacoolsoftware.info/kb/)
The best Firewall besides the one that comes with Windows is: Zone Alarm (http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/co... or just (www.zonelabs.com) and select the FREE version.

These are all FREE and are all that are required. There is no reason to pay for this kind of software, except to give a donation to the writers if you can.
ALL the above programs are recommended and should be run on a regular basis. With some the free versions they must be run manually.

The best way to avoid getting any Malware (virus, Trojan's, spyware, etc) is to practice safe computing. Microsoft and many others have countless articles on the subject of safe computing. (something I think should be taught in schools)

for further information on computer safety. http://all.net/journal/50/cybercop.html

Answer 6

Assuming that you have updated to SP2 (which installs a new version of the firewall) it is "OK" at best. The original without SP2 is awful.

If you are concerned, download ZoneAlarm and use it instead. It is more robust, and ptrotects you from both incoming and outgoing traffic. It is free.

Answer 7

Is a good firewall, I did't have problems with it, however there are better firewalls free for personal use. Just visit this site
http://freewww.uv.ro/security/security.html

Answer 8

If you dont like it get a new firewall!

Answer 9

Yes, i've never had any problems from using it especially the service pack 2 version, unlike Zone Alarm which has a tendency to disrupt networks better than most viruses.

Answer 10

yep it works.....
but... u cant configure easily da firewall settings..

if u r a proffessional den u should opt for
ZONE ALARM