Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.newusers (
More info?)
"...D." <d@no_usenet_email..org> wrote in message news
kfff054o1oil0q3q6j6vbcga6gjkmjepn@4ax.com...
> Paul R <195prosete@951earthlink.net> wrote:
>>New to XP and wonder if there's a need to have a 3rd party firewall in
>>addition to XP's when using a dsl connection as a single home user. I
>>read in another post a very common sense tip *not* to stack firewalls
>>(as well as av products) since using multiple firewalls can actually
>>cause them not to work well.
>>Is XP's internal firewall sufficient for the average home dsl user or do
>>3rd party apps work better?
>>If a 3rd party one is preferable over the XP one, should the XP be
>>disabled when using the 3rd party one?
>
> XP's firewall is sufficient. But you don't have bells and whistles with it.
>
> A 3rd party firewall will inform you if an attempt is made, and also when
> outgoing from your computer is trying to log onto the Internet. Usually you
> just "OK" the outgoing once & never have to bother again. But you might catch
> some weirdo thing that got onto your hard drive (spyware) and know about it.
> & the incoming, usually you tell it not to inform you after the one time for a
> similar type of attempt.
>
> Stuff you need as a new computer user - firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware.
>
> A good free firewall program = Zone Alarm
> A good free anti-spyware program = Ad Aware
> A decent free anti-virus program = AVG
>
> With the above software they all have a "pro" version, & want you to buy it.
> But you do not have to. Their free versions do a good job.
>
> Me? I use Norton SystemWorks 2004, which has anti-virus in it. A free copy
> of Norton Firewall came with it. & I use Ad Aware. Norton works - it updates
> all of the time. However if you are unlucky enough to have a technical
> problem (I don't), they want an arm & a leg to call them voice ($29.95). I
> recommend them only if you can find a big sale (there is always rebates going
> on).
>
> The only reason I recommend Norton, is because of SystemWorks, because of the
> password manager - it is very good. I only have to enter in a new login &
> password once on a website, and there-after it is done for me. Also it will
> fill out forms with my name/address/phone, etc. But I would not just buy the
> Norton anti-virus software. The password manager alone is worth the $30 you
> should pay (after a rebate) for SystemWorks 2004, and you'll get anti-virus &
> some other tools too. Also wait for a sale that has the Norton Personal
> Firewall glued to the box.
>
> Oh - if you ever use a router (make a home network of 2 computers or more),
> that also becomes a hardware firewall. I am using one, but still use the
> Norton Firewall, though I don't have to - why? Because it still tells me when
> stuff is outgoing. But incoming never gets to the firewall program, because
> the router stops it.
>
In all honesty, using anything with Norton on the package, would be like wanting to go down on Miss Perspicacia Tick, and that is just totally unconscionable!
Considering the above analogy, I'd say you're one perverted dude if you like Norton's *-)