Does anyone have any comments on XP's built in firewall, ICF. I know it's probably not the best, but I don't stay on-line long. I have a 2 way satellite system (LAN and proxy server) and wonder if there would be a conflict.

As for XP's firewall it's one way protection ONLY, not outbound scanning, only inbound, so you would have NO protection against TROJANS. I would DISABLE it and download ZONE ALARM FREE from www.zonelabs.com Especially if you are running a LAN, all the more reason to have more than XP ICF.

Actually, you should never disable it. Its not enough but will protect you from others but will not protect your programs from that access the net. You need to download an inbound firewall hence run both. I use Xp firewall, Norton 2002 and Zone alarm Pro. Just not taking any chance but two are enough you should definitely enable it esp on LAN connections. NO big deal on dial up

Running 2 totally different, competing firewalls can cause problems with rule sets, permissions, etc. Win XP firewall is not so good a firewall that it NEEDS to be running, especially if you have a RELIABLE one running all the time like Zone Alarm.

Patrick The question you should be asking is WHY? you would need a firewall stronger than the one XP presently has. XP presently has a very strong firewall, it can cloak you from scanners outside your firewall. Anyone smart enough to get passed it can probably get pass most firewalls you can afford to buy anyway. And if you are not aware of the threat inside the firewall and how to avoid them you probably would be better off reading about avoiding that first. An imporperly configured ZONE ALARM FW is just as bad or worse than an XP FW and not to mention more irritating.

The point about XP firewall being inbound only is that if you install software which includes spyware, or you pick up a trojan virus XP FIREWALL WONT PROTECT YOU. However, Zone Alarm will prevent the outbound internet contact. However, ZA can cause problems with ICS over a LAN. Personally I'm prepared to rely on XP firewall, caution with installing software and a damned good AV software.

Zonealarm is an awful firewall. One thats easier to use, and doesn't bog down your connection is Sygate personal firewall. Using 2 firewalls simultaneously will just mean that only one firewall is doing any work, the other is just wasting resources.