Since we have some great computer experts here..............

Big Daddy

Big Daddy

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Since we have some great computer experts here..............

I currently have two firewalls installed on my Windows XP Pro system:

1) MSN Firewall Plus powered by McAfee Security and
2) ZoneAlarm (free version)

Since they can potentially slow each other (and my system) down or conflict with each other, which program do you suggest I keep (and why?) OR should I keep both of them?? FYI I don't notice a huge slow down of my system with both running.

Thanks! :spoofee:
 
Personally I like the ZoneAlarm free because of:
1. Its cost. Nothing like a Spoofean that likes freebies.
2. It does well on grc.com's ShieldsUp! test.
3. It is easily configurable.

Try disabling ZoneAlarm and doing the ShieldsUp! port test. Then re-enable ZoneAlarm and disable the other, then try testing again. See which works better.

I wouldn't run two software firewalls on my computer. Troubleshooting would seem to be a nightmare.
 
I prefer Zone alarm , you dont need the win firewall when you have zone alarm up and configured. Depends on what leve of security you want
I reccomend Zone alarm , or zone alarm pro if u want to spend money
 
Thanks! I'll try the ShieldsUp! test tonight. FYI does it change anyone's opinion since I get the McAfee firewall for free with my DSL account? BTW, my motto is "If it's free, it's for me." :D

Please keep the opinions coming!
 
Are you using a router? If so you really have no need for a software firewall, most routers have built in firewall protection and then just use Windows XP SP2 built in firewall. I noticed the internet loads faster without using a software firewall.

But if I had to choose one or the other it would be Zone Alarm. ;)
 
Choochoojr said:
Are you using a router? If so you really have no need for a software firewall, most routers have built in firewall protection and then just use Windows XP SP2 built in firewall. I noticed the internet loads faster without using a software firewall.

But if I had to choose one or the other it would be Zone Alarm. ;)
Click to expand...

I don't have a router, but I do have SP2, although I don't use its firewall because I thought I heard of some issues with it. :spoofee:

If pages will load faster maybe I'll just unistall them both and cross my fingers. :confused: ;)
 
big daddy said:
I don't have a router, but I do have SP2, although I don't use its firewall because I thought I heard of some issues with it. :spoofee:

If pages will load faster maybe I'll just unistall them both and cross my fingers. :confused: ;)
Click to expand...

I don't know if I would trust just using XP's firewall without a router. One more thing though, what Anti-virus are you using? Because you can use the McAfee download from the post below and then only install the firewall and anti-virus. It will give you a whole year of updates.

http://www.spoofee.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17334
 
Choochoojr said:
I don't know if I would trust just using XP's firewall without a router. One more thing though, what Anti-virus are you using? Because you can use the McAfee download from the post below and then only install the firewall and anti-virus. It will give you a whole year of updates.

http://www.spoofee.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17334
Click to expand...

That part of my comment was a joke (or at least a poor attempt). :cry:

I'm using McAfee's anti-virus since it came free with my DSL service when I changed from my cable modem service. Prior to switching I was using AVG Free Edition, which was excellent, however I couldn't run both anti-viruses at the same time (hmmmmmmmmmmmmm..... this sounds familiar ;) )
 
well, don't uninstall both and rely only on the router firewall. you shouldn't take chances with that with all the spyware/adware/worms/trojans and Viruses.

zonealarm is preferable over mcafee, however before finally deciding, please run those firewall tests and see how each one scores.
 
I agree. Keep at least one software firewall if you are on any internal network.

And no, my opinion isn't changed by the free McAfee software. You couldn't pay me to run that on my computer.
 
As it turns out, I did the tests and apparently McAfee passed with flying colors, but ZoneAlarm did not. :eek: I was as shocked as you, but I will turn off ZoneAlarm for now and retest in about a week.

Thank you everyone for your input!! :claps:
 
XP already has a FW. Matter of fact, it was turned on when I got my computer. That would mean you have 3 FWs.

My ISP has a FW, so I don't need one.
 
morriefisher said:
XP already has a FW. Matter of fact, it was turned on when I got my computer. That would mean you have 3 FWs.

My ISP has a FW, so I don't need one.
Click to expand...
When you install another firewall, the Windows one *should* shut off. Sometimes it doesn't and that creates a bunch of headaches.
 
I wonder why ZoneAlarm did so poorly. That just blows me away bigdaddy.
 
spazntwitch said:
I wonder why ZoneAlarm did so poorly. That just blows me away bigdaddy.
Click to expand...

I have no idea. :confused: I'm as surprised as you are.
 
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