Windows XP forum: XP SP2 Firewall or Zonealarm

I will trust any module included in a Microsoft package when they pry ZoneAlarm Pro from my cold, dead fingers.

Any personal firewall is better then Service Pack 2 XP. If one would like to test this, do the following:

After installing the XP firewall go to the following:
Gibson Research Corporation
http://www.grc.com/
This company is run by a man that has been a round since the micro computers have been around. His name is Steve Gibson, he a owns "SpinRite" a data recovery application (since micros have been a round).

At that site will be found a test for testing the ports on your computer for safety. It will also generate a report for you as well.

It is a free test.

This then would tell a person which firewall app to use.

Keep Zonealarm!!!!

I would recommend using ZoneAlarm. The Windows XP firewall does not address the problem of outgoing mail. This means that yoiur computer could be used by an undiscovered worm or trojan.

Zone alarm is a firewall maker that is dedicated to just that, firewalls. Microsoft is not, and just started getting into the business. I recommend Zone Alarm As I use, anyday.

zone alarm all the way.The sp2 firewall is just a remake of the old firewall.Not much protection.

Go to the Symantec Automated Support and run it. They have some papers listing what must be done to have complete compatibility between NAV and ZA. The Automated Support will list any problems it finds that you may not even know that you have.

Zonealarm I find to be the best for firewall protection. All ports are in stealth mode so why should I bother? I feel very secure with ZA. No problems.Theres an old saying... if its not broke,don't fix it. XP with SP1 is working just fine.

Give me Sygate Persoanl Firewall anyday.
Easy to install, easy to use and has never let me down.

It is best to use Zonelabs technology, which includes any of the ZoneAlarm(I've used in the past; they are very good) line and Computer Associates firewall in eTrust EZ Armor (which I use now). The native XP firewall does not filter outgoing internet calls. If you have broadband, then I suggest that you also use a router with stateful packet inspection firewall. Two layers of firewall will increase your security; ZoneLabs technology is a good layer. ZoneAlarm is a firewall that learns. It filters ident, 113, something that many routers don't do.

In the Microsoft Help and Support Center for SP2:

"Off: This setting turns Windows Firewall off. When you choose this setting, your computer is much more vulnerable to harm from unknown intruders or viruses from the Internet. This setting should only be used by
advanced users for computer administration purposes, or if your computer is protected by another firewall."

"In Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), Windows Firewall is turned on by default. (However, some computer manufacturers and network administrators
might turn it off.) You do not have to use Windows Firewall-you can install and run any firewall that you choose. Evaluate the features of other firewalls and then decide which firewall best meets your needs. If you choose to install and run another firewall, turn off Windows Firewall."

Microsoft Knowledge Base Article - 875356
How to configure the Windows Firewall feature in Windows XP Service Pack 2
It states:

"...If you decide to install and run another firewall, turn off Windows
Firewall..."

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;875356

In pcworld.com, an article by Scott Spanbauer
From the October 2004 issue of PC World magazine
Posted Friday, August 27, 2004
Under, "Tweak the Firewall" for SP2 one of his paragraphs echoes the MSKB
and the MS Help & Support Center:

"Once you've installed a bidirectional firewall, I recommend disabling the Windows Firewall altogether. Occasionally, firewalls obstruct an application
you're trying to use over a network connection--and there's nothing more frustrating than spending a half hour tweaking, disabling, and even uninstalling a firewall, only to discover that the other firewall was the culprit. To disable the Windows Firewall in the Security Center, click the Windows Firewall link at the bottom of the dialog box, check Off (not recommended) in the next window, and click OK."

Oh, puhleeze! The question has only one simple answer!
Zone Alarm, hands down. I have not, will not, patch to SP2. My computer is on 24/7. I have not had a major intrustion. Actually, the question of SP2 or ZA is rather silly. To all of you. Quit listening to all the ridiculous rumors, etc. Spend some of your own time on line reading reviews, learning, and thinking it out on your own intelligence. Far, far, far too much BS out there. Beware the Gates bashers. Their agenda is not to help you, it's to Bash Bill.

dont use windows firewall as it really doesn't stop programs on outgoing, i use zone alarm but the free one and is great for incoming and outgoing, i guess as a pro user you have all extra function too.
use your zone alarm ..go onto the zone alarm site it doesn't say much for win/firewall nothing good anyway.

You are supposed to use only one firewall. There may be conflicts if more then one are used, so that however good they are, they will not do the job properly, what with one 'competing' against one another.

BTW, which one do you find easiest to use and which gives you 'control' ? I find Zone Alarm good because it actually ask you whether you want access or not, and gives you the option to have the program 'remember' your choice. With Windows firewall, you can only give it 'exceptions' to what not to access.