Microsoft's XP-SP2 Firewall an Open Invitation to Your PC

Important Critical Update for Dial-Up Users

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/886185
from JoeUser Forums
Another reason to get real firewall software and forego doing it on the cheap, by just using XP's built-in firewall. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/886185
7,240 views 10 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Glad I've never trusted the XP firewall.
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I recommend Zonealarm at the least.
Sins of a Solar Empire II
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
The biggest complaint I've always against Microsoft's built-in firewall is the fact that it is designed not to block anything outgoing (wouldn't want to block all those MS programs phoning home), which is the best defense against trojans, with the exception of a good anti-virus scanner of course.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
pic - The Firewall changed with the SP2 update: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=875357

...I still don't like it, but it did change...
Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top
yeah. It's better, but it still sucks. It's kinda like upgrading from crap to partially rotten apple.
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I didn't realize they had changed it. Guess you can tell I haven't tried it since the first version.

I'll stick with Sygate.
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I agree with pictoratus, Sygate is the BEST software Firewall out there!
But, YOU knew there was going too be a "But" A hardware Firewall is the
BEST way too go, I use Sygate along with my Hardware Firewall. If it the
cost that has you worried, LinkSys have an OUTSTANDING hardware Firewall
that has been Editor's choice with such magazines as PC Magazine, MaximumPC
2600 Magazine, and the list goes on! I believe it's better too prevent a cold
than try and fight one, so too speak.

Reply #9 from JoeUser Forums Top
I have no problems with sygate's free version when I test for leaks on Gibson research.
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
WOM uses a Home Portal 2 wire, Linksys Router and software firewall. Someone named kona would call me paranoid.