Computer firewall.

[John Schmidt]

Naturally I'd like it to be a freebie, but what is an effective system that you members have/are using?

[JimL]

Hi John,

If you are using Windows XP (and have installed service pack 2) you should have free firewall software that comes with Windows XP.  Following is a link to tell you how to activate it:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/security/winfirewall.mspx

Hope this helps

[John Schmidt]

Not sure why all of a sudden when I log on (have XP) the screen says "not detected" in bright red letters.

[Gryphon Rider]

I've been using Comodo Firewall on my XP machine.

[R J]

I use Sunbelt Personnal Firewall & their sister Vipre for scanning,

Both are highly recommended by a writer of things involving XP machines.

She has a weekly newsletter that is very helpful.

[F6Dave]

The Windows firewall is fine and I use it on most of my machines.  I think Zone Alarm still has a free version that adds 2 way protection.  The built in Windows firewall only blocks incoming stuff.

If you have broadband your hardware (DSL modem, router, etc.) usually adds another layer of protection with NAT and/or a hardware firewall.

A good place to test your vulnerability is with the ShieldsUp program at www.grc.com.  It is a free program that tries to get past you computers defenses and gives you a report on the results.

[John Schmidt]

I'll check them all out, especially the test to see how effective my system is. I am on cable along with the TV so it does seem to help.