If the Windows XP firewall on my computer is sufficient, why do so many people use other software programs?

Question

I spoke to someone yesterday, who said the firewall that comes with windows xp is all need. However, other people state a router, or seperate software program such as Norton, Zonealarm, Mccafee, ect are better. Who is correct and why? I have one computer in my home, use dsl, and have one modem. Thanks

I usually turn off my windows firewall and use Norton's internet security instead which includes firewall and anti-virus, and I use spysweeper as well for spam. However, if windows xp firewall is enough, I should only need an anti-virus and spam program correct?

Answer 1

You need an antivirus program as well as the firewall. Things can still get past the firewall sometimes (like spyware).

If you have one computer and not a huge network the Windows Xp firewall is probably fine for your computer needs as far as a firewall goes.

But you do need anti-virus and some kind of spyware cleaner would be good. You can get free ones like ad-aware that work well.

Answer 2

sufficient protection is a very relative term. it all depends on your browsing habits. if you visit websites that have malicious content in them and if you download all attachments in email without checking them, then i am afraid even the best of protection will not be sufficient, but if you avoid all of them completely(which is very close to impossible if you use you internet connection) then you donot need any protection at all. As both these scenarios are extremes and no one actually does it, it is advisable to have a smarter firewall, antivirus and a malware protector. The best of them are available free. Zonealarm or comodo can be obtained for free, they are possibly the best commercial firewalls out there. you can get an avast antivirus or bitdefender 8, both free are possibly the the best free ones(although nod32 is possibly the best paid one), along with them you can also install a good spyware detector like adaware or spybot. personally i dont have an antivirus or a firewall. i do online scans from either housecall.trendmicro.com or bitdefender.com/scan8/ie.html . and make sure my windows is properly updated and i have not been infected by one virus for more than 36 hours(true). the only fool proof method to keep urself protected from the internet is not to connect at all. lol

Answer 3

Never have 2 or more software firewalls running on the same computer as they will conflict with each other. Remember now with SP2 on WinXP there is a firewall, so when using a third party alternative be sure to disable the Windows SP2 firewall.

http://www.portforward.com/

If you have WinXP, you can use the XP Internet Connection Firewall = http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/learnmore/icf.mspx

To turn Win XP firewall on/off = start/control panel/double-click on network connections/right click on the icon for the connection you are using/properties/advanced/ check or uncheck box next to "internet connection firewall"

Comodo Firewall = http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com = "Comodo Firewall, rated by PC Magazine Online as an Editor's Choice, constantly monitors and defends your PC from internet attacks. It's easy to install and use and passes the industry's most stringent firewall "leak" tests. Unlike some other 'free' firewalls, this is not a stripped down version but is the full, completely functional product. This free solution comes complete with continual updates that are free forever." Note - Not compatible with Windows 9x systems.

or Jetico Free Personal Firewall = http://www.jetico.com/index.htm#/jpfirewall.htm

Or get the Free Kerio Firewall = It will give you "full version" access for 14 days, then will revert back to free version(which works just fine).= http://www.sunbelt-software.com/Kerio.cfm

Answer 4

The Windows Firewall included with XP SP2 is a minimal Firewall. All it does is block traffic trying to get into your computer. It does not log the traffic so you can see what is actually happening. It also does not track or block any traffic going out of your computer. So if you were to get infected with a viruses that send out e-mails or infected packets, the Windows Firewall will not block them.

ZoneAlarm and the others you have listed do more logging and can also be configured to track and block outgoing traffic. So you do get additional security with them.

Windows Vista will include an Advanced Security option that will give it logging and outgoing traffic abilitites.

Answer 5

Windows Xp gives a facility to restore yoyr system to a back date. Use this when ever your PC mibehaves. Firewall is OK. But it is a must that you have an antivirus software along with a spyware to protect against unexpected intrusions of virus and spywares. You insatll a standard antivirus soft ware such as Norton, AVG , Avast ( free antivirus software and Ad-aware, Ewido ( free spyware removers). You can download free softwares at
http://fixit.in/antivirus.html and http://fixit.in/spywareremover.html

Answer 6

the windows firewall is good enough although i have a router firewall and have disabled the windows firewall , the problem with third party software is it tends to take over and slow your pc it also pops messages at you and if you dont read carefully you can block yourself from the internet or worse block your antivirus from getting the updates you need i see several machines a week that come in for this

Answer 7

human beings use secure mode at circumstances even as they comprehend they have insects that a virulent disease experiment cant eliminate in common abode windows. the sp2 firewall is extra useful then no longer something, it stops fairly some incoming bots and such. maximum folk use a nil.33 get mutually software firewall, it does take a touch interpreting to comprehend a thanks to apply it, yet does provide up classes from having access to the web with out yer ok. you should use both abode windows firewall and nil.33 get mutually one.

Answer 8

Windows firewall is quite good, but if you want to be sure your computer is OK, you should get a good firewall. Zone Alarm would probably be the best choice. And here you have some more free options:
http://askcomputerexpert.ws43.com/download/security.htm