what firewall?

**pdxireland** · 04-17-2008, 10:33 AM

Hello,

I have XP Pro
w/
Antivir PE Premium
Spybot S&D
Spyware Blaster
Spyware Guard
Advanced Windows Care v2

Currently using the provided MS XP Firewall.

What would be a better free or cheap option?

Also I use Eudora 7.0 & the latest Firefox.

thanks,

fmg

tetonbob · 04-17-2008, 11:36 AM

Several free:

**pdxireland** · 04-17-2008, 02:24 PM

Hello again.
I'm thinking Sygate?
What is install & set-up like for a firewall?
What, disable the Windows one & just walk through it?
Anything special I need to consider if....
1. I use Remote desktop both directions loads.
2. I do tons of FTPing both directions all day long.
thanks,

fmg

**Cellus** · 04-17-2008, 09:22 PM

If you are going to use a software firewall, you should disable Windows Firewall to prevent any conflicts. There will be no need to have Windows Firewall running if you have something like Sygate Personal Firewall running.

When using RDP (or anything which requires Internet access), you will be asked by SPF to Allow or Deny the connection. Just make sure when using RDP for the first time (both ways) to Allow it, and to "remember your choice", so it will allow RDP and not bug you again. The same thing applies to anything you wish to access. If for some reason SPF asks you to Allow or Deny, see what is asking and make a choice based on your best judgement.

Setting up SPF isn't that difficult, however I recommend when after SPF has been installed that you disable the real-time display of connections in the window as some users have reported issues with the user interface lagging and locking up. This is, of course, only if you have this particular issue.

Please remember after your initial install to run through all your commonly used programs at least once so as to set up the applicable Allows (or Denies) all at once instead of it bothering you piecemeal throughout your user experience.

04-17-2008, 10:33 AM	#1 (permalink)
pdxireland Today TSF saved my life! Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 338 OS: XP	what firewall? Hello, I have XP Pro w/ Antivir PE Premium Spybot S&D Spyware Blaster Spyware Guard Advanced Windows Care v2 Currently using the provided MS XP Firewall. What would be a better free or cheap option? Also I use Eudora 7.0 & the latest Firefox. thanks, fmg

04-17-2008, 11:36 AM	#2 (permalink)
tetonbob Manager, Security Center, TSF Academy; Analyst, Security Team Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Transylvania County, North Carolina, USA Posts: 35,735 OS: 2000 Pro; XP Pro; XP Home	Re: what firewall? Several free: Comodo Free Firewall Online Armor Sygate Personal Firewall Tiny Personal Firewall - Trial Jetico Personal (free version, but for advanced users) Agnitum Outpost Free Sunbelt Personal Firewall __________________ Practice Safe Surfing PC Safety and Security--What Do I Need? Because what you don't know, CAN hurt you. Proud Member of ASAP since 2005 Proud Member of UNITE since 2006 Microsoft MVP - Consumer Security 2009

04-17-2008, 02:24 PM	#3 (permalink)
pdxireland Today TSF saved my life! Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 338 OS: XP	Re: what firewall? Hello again. I'm thinking Sygate? What is install & set-up like for a firewall? What, disable the Windows one & just walk through it? Anything special I need to consider if.... 1. I use Remote desktop both directions loads. 2. I do tons of FTPing both directions all day long. thanks, fmg

04-17-2008, 09:22 PM	#4 (permalink)
Cellus Moderator Networking Team Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 2,664 OS: Windows Vista Business SP1, Windows XP Professional SP3 My System	Re: what firewall? If you are going to use a software firewall, you should disable Windows Firewall to prevent any conflicts. There will be no need to have Windows Firewall running if you have something like Sygate Personal Firewall running. When using RDP (or anything which requires Internet access), you will be asked by SPF to Allow or Deny the connection. Just make sure when using RDP for the first time (both ways) to Allow it, and to "remember your choice", so it will allow RDP and not bug you again. The same thing applies to anything you wish to access. If for some reason SPF asks you to Allow or Deny, see what is asking and make a choice based on your best judgement. Setting up SPF isn't that difficult, however I recommend when after SPF has been installed that you disable the real-time display of connections in the window as some users have reported issues with the user interface lagging and locking up. This is, of course, only if you have this particular issue. Please remember after your initial install to run through all your commonly used programs at least once so as to set up the applicable Allows (or Denies) all at once instead of it bothering you piecemeal throughout your user experience. __________________ TSF Networking Team Virus/Trojan/Spyware Removal Help Donate!