Is the Built in Windows Firewall good enough?

Question

Or should you have something else in addition?

Answer 1

Nothing is built to last.. otheriwse everyone will lose thir jobs...

Answer 2

The Firewall inside of Windows XP is worthless. It only checks for connections coming into your computer. You need a bi-directional Firewall like Zone Alarm or Comodo.

If somehow you have a Virus or a Keylogger that gets installed on your computer because your Anti-Virus program failed to catch it in real time, this Keylogger needs to call "Home" to the Hacker and needs access to the Internet. The Firewall inside windows is just going to let this bad boy wonder out of your computer and walla, the Hacker now has your information. I Firewall such as Zone Alarm which checks for files and programs trying to leave your computer, will block this from happening unless you make the mistake of permitting it through.

Get a bi-directional Firewall. The Windows Firewall sucks.

Answer 3

Catalin is correct about the Windows firewall and ensuring you have a good Antivirus and Antispyware programs.

I just want to give you a little additional info about Antispyware programs. Most free AS programs are "On demand" scanners only. They do not provide full time protection. You want to ensure you have AS programs that will protect you full time. Also, you should have a minimum of two AS programs providing full time protection. I recommend three of these programs. With 1500-2000 new spyware programs every month it is impossible for one program to protect your computer.

Windows Defender is a great full time AS program that is completely free. This program is automatically updated via the Microsoft/Windows Updates.

Spybot Search and Destroy is also a great AS program and is free. Unless you activate the Tea Timer function it will only function as an "On demand" scanner. During the download and setup watch for a window that lists the Tea Timer. Check mark the box for it. Spybot must be updated manually by you.

SpywareBlaster is a great program and free. It does not scan as other do. It monitors all incoming data and blocks all it is programmed to block. This also requires manual updating by you.

Even though they require manual updating they are excellent programs and will provide great protection.

Answer 4

The Windows Firewall is better than having no Firewall, It blocks incoming but not outgoing to my knowledge. It is sufficient enough, just make sure you have an antivirus program up to date and running and a good spyware scaner as well as using IE7 or Firefox or Opera

Answer 5

Yes, the Windows firewall is good, but if used properly. That means that you should always have your Windows updated (to avoid any weaknesses), and should always use it with an antivirus and spyware. In this combination I have never had any problems regarding viruses or any other threats.
However, for more free for personal use firewalls, antivirus, spyware/adwar remover go here
http://freewww.uv.ro/security/security.html

Answer 6

Well as long as you keep getting windows updates then ye your safe and program your firewall to block certain programs

Answer 7

actually the windows firewall is not good enough you may use other software to protect your pc. windows vista windows firewall more powerfull then windows xp. its depend on your windows

Answer 8

I usually install additional firwallls like a router and Mcafee software

Answer 9

Comodo is one of the best free firewalls there is. And it won't bog down your pc like ZoneAlarm will.

Answer 10

No, it's very weak.

Try Zone Alarm (it's free) - http://www.zonealarm.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp?lid=zadb_zadown