Have dedicated one PC for internet access via Cable modem (using the USB connection) on my home wired network. This PC runs XP PRO SP2 with MS-XP firewall activated and provides also filesharing and printer services. All other PC's also run XP PRO SP2 with MS-XP firewall activated. Some applications that run on the network are: MS Messenger, KaZaa, eMule, Skype, ICQ, etc. I know that the MS Windows Firewall inside SP2 is not the best solution, so here is my question: I would like to know which Firewall software is the most advisable to use in regards to safety yet still be able to use the P2P software and other apps on the workstations on the LAN. Or should I just cut the crap and purchase a router/switch with internal firewall??? And which manufacturer/model gives the best bang for the buck??? (European market.....)

Your going to get a lot of different answers...I like either Symantec Secure Client or Zonealarm Pro (there is a free version for Zonealarm that also works well). Both have not only firewall but what is called stealth (that is not only do they close ports but if your ports are scanned they only report back open ports so you don't even identify closed ports)... additionally you can specify port openings based on applications (i.e. P2P software, etc.) instead of simply leaving ports generally open. The problem is that software firewalls only work when the PC is working, so if it's off, so is your firewall, which is why you sometimes want a router/switch with a firewall instead of software firewall. Also note that these firewalls are VERY "annoying" at first. The firewall has to learn what you want to pass and not pass, that means every time an application (internally, or externally) corresponds with the internet the firewall is going to ask you what to do...you could get A LOT of such messages while your firewall learns your habits....real secure firewalls are not for newbies. D

Router is more secure, but Kazaa is a major security hole anyway, so whatever floats your boat, because if in the end you're gonna run Kazaa, it's only a matter of time before you get compromised. "...but in my defense, it was dark, I was drunk, and it was delicious!"

First of all, if you just have a cable modem, how are your networking in your other computers? The windows firewall is almost worthless. I love to share a directory on one pc with the windows firewall on, and try to access those resources from another node and cant. lol Just get a router with a firewall on it. D is right, pc firewalls do get annoying and sometimes reject things that they THINK might be malicous but really arent. There are 10 types of people in the world, those who know binary, and those who don't.