Firewall

[zak_swan]

I've just discovered cr*ppy zone alarm was the cause of my connection being disconnected.
I've got a firewall on my router but disabled it cause i don't know much about it.
I've got XP and SP2.
So what is the way to go?
If recommending software please make it free ones.

[Bjs]

The windows xp firewall is rather too simple , but serve's the purpose of basic protection for those who dont understand such thing's , however it can be disabled through accidentally downloading file's containing spyware , trojan's , and other rubbish contained within the setup , or archive , that get's triggered the moment you run or decompress them .

Having tool's such as a good antivirus , and spyware remover's will keep most pc system's on the correct path .

Disabling the firewall on the router is just asking for trouble and I recommend you re-enable it asap .

This is a hardware firewall , which will keep most hacker's out of the system ...

As for software addon's such as macafee , zone alarm , norton's firewall software ... we find user's that have these engaged can not download file's from even basic website's because they dont understand how to set these up .

If in doubt , engage ... if downloading a file from site , disengage till file has completely downloaded .

Zonealarm is less of a problem as you can disengage the lock on given program's , and is the simplest for newbies to use ... We also provide technical help to local user's for this product without charge to them or the company .

[zak_swan]

I disabled router firewall because i thought having 2 firewalls would cause problems.
Would it be ok to use Outpost and the router firewall?
Also how does the router firewall know what to block and what not to as it doesnt ask like software firewalls.

[bevills1]

I highly recommend leaving the router firewall on, and you should be able to run Zonealarm too. I had a similar conflict running Zonealarm for which adding router IP address to "Trusted Sites" in Zonealarm Firewall settings corrected the problem, and now router firewall and Zonealarm are running with no conflicts or problems.

[Dv8ted2]

I disabled router firewall because i thought having 2 firewalls would cause problems.
Would it be ok to use Outpost and the router firewall?
Also how does the router firewall know what to block and what not to as it doesnt ask like software firewalls.

It is okay to run a hardware firewall and a software firewall, but never run two software firewalls on the same computer.

[zak_swan]

thanks for replies