What’s the general consensus on (ICF) Windows XP Internet Connection Firewall? How good is it? Surely we all agree, its not as good as a hardware firewall but as far as software goes what do you think? I know it doesn’t block spy-ware and Trojans from sending out information but how good of a job do you think it dose keeping things out. Case in point: I keep up to date with all the security patches. All unnecessary services are off and /or not installed. No client for MS. No file and print sharing. Net BEUI is disabled. The only protocol active is TCP/IP not registering DNS. No spy-ware or Trojans. Virus definitions are always up to date and scanning system. I here a lot of talk about disabling ICF and running Zone Alarm, Black Ice, whatever your favorite... All things considered though will it block the kid down the street? If configured properly will it block as well as Zone Alarm? Thanks for the info Roach

The Win ICF relates to INCOMING only. Only one way protection. I'd DISABLE it and get ZONE ALARM and SWAT IT trojan scanner from www.lockdowncorp.com It is NOT a real-time scanner, but it's FREE and has regular update definitions option.

I must agree with the last post. The windows XP firewall was need and a good idea, But it is not very good at all. Compare it to a freeware program like zone alarm and it will suck. Get zone alarm, I could not live with out it Caveman

Buy a router