Windows XP Firewall question.

I've just started using XP and I'm not really sure how good it's native
firewall is. On Windows 98SE I had ZoneAlarm running. It showed which
programs it was letting through and asked if it 'should' let a program
through. XP's firewall hasn't asked for anything. How does that work? I
mean, how does it know what I want or don't want allowed through.
Is XP's firewall as good as ZoneAlarm?
Thank you for your time.

Watchman
--
'Anyone who isn't confused doesn't really know what's going on'

Click Start > Settings > Control Panel > dbl click Security Center applet.
Under Manage Security Settings click Windows Firewall > What Else I should Know
link at bottom.

For other Win FW info:
http://support.microsoft.com/search/...de=a&x=14&y=13

or if the link breaks:
http://tinyurl.com/astpd

--

Brian A. Sesko { MS MVP_Shell/User }
Conflicts start where information lacks.
http://basconotw.mvps.org/

Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375




"Watchman" <stryder@SPAMPHOBICwhyalla.net.au> wrote in message
news:436EC807.20A54225@SPAMPHOBICwhyalla.net.au...
>
> I've just started using XP and I'm not really sure how good it's native
> firewall is. On Windows 98SE I had ZoneAlarm running. It showed which
> programs it was letting through and asked if it 'should' let a program
> through. XP's firewall hasn't asked for anything. How does that work? I
> mean, how does it know what I want or don't want allowed through.
> Is XP's firewall as good as ZoneAlarm?
> Thank you for your time.
>
> Watchman
> --
> 'Anyone who isn't confused doesn't really know what's going on'
>
>

Watchman, The Windows Firewall only monitors incoming traffic, not outgoing.
While Windows Firewall is useful I personally don't use it. It certainly
isn't as user friendly as it could be. My advise is to stick with Zone
Alarm. As you have found out ZA is more user friendly and certainly lets you
know when something is trying to access your PC or something is being sent
from your PC that shouldn't be.
ZA should disable Windows Firewall by default. if it doesn't then simply
disable the firewall yourself via Control panel>Windows Firewall. having two
firewalls running does not give you double the protection and, in some
cases, can cause conflicts.

--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org

The information in this post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any kind,
either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this post. The Author shall not be liable for any
direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use
of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this post..



"Watchman" <stryder@SPAMPHOBICwhyalla.net.au> wrote in message
news:436EC807.20A54225@SPAMPHOBICwhyalla.net.au...
>
> I've just started using XP and I'm not really sure how good it's native
> firewall is. On Windows 98SE I had ZoneAlarm running. It showed which
> programs it was letting through and asked if it 'should' let a program
> through. XP's firewall hasn't asked for anything. How does that work? I
> mean, how does it know what I want or don't want allowed through.
> Is XP's firewall as good as ZoneAlarm?
> Thank you for your time.
>
> Watchman
> --
> 'Anyone who isn't confused doesn't really know what's going on'
>
>

Watchman

As already advised, use a third party software firewall as you did
previously.. the SP2 firewall exists primarily to defend the computer during
its first outings on the internet..

If you are a careful surfer, you could get away with the SP2 offering, but
why bark when you can get a dog to do it for you..

--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/User


"Watchman" <stryder@SPAMPHOBICwhyalla.net.au> wrote in message
news:436EC807.20A54225@SPAMPHOBICwhyalla.net.au...
>
> I've just started using XP and I'm not really sure how good it's native
> firewall is. On Windows 98SE I had ZoneAlarm running. It showed which
> programs it was letting through and asked if it 'should' let a program
> through. XP's firewall hasn't asked for anything. How does that work? I
> mean, how does it know what I want or don't want allowed through.
> Is XP's firewall as good as ZoneAlarm?
> Thank you for your time.
>
> Watchman
> --
> 'Anyone who isn't confused doesn't really know what's going on'
>
>