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So, who all has played around with the built-in firewall for XP Service Pack 2? I’ve played with it a bit and it seems pretty good, unless there is some unknown exploit for the built in firewall is there any reason to go with a different free solution (for XP that is) like Zone Alarms?
It's not an alternative for a third-party software firewall, since there is no outgoing connection control.
I like that it's on by default, though. For some weird reason, Remote Assistance is enabled by default through the Exceptions Tab.
The logging options are pretty decent (log dropped packets, log succesful connections).
If it's true that it doesn't allow program control, how is it any better than the one that's built into XP right now? :confused: (Honest question.)
Regards,
James
At least it has more options than "off" and "on" :)
It does allow program control, but only incoming. You can select the programs to allow, you can select the port/service,...
Read these:Quote:
If it's true that it doesn't allow program control, how is it any better than the one that's built into XP right now?
http://download.microsoft.com/downl...ite%20paper.doc
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/preinstall.mspx
http://www.windowsnetworking.com/ar...res_Review.html
Irongeek, I remember you form HDC how much are you pushing now in terms of free weights?Quote:
Originally posted here by Irongeek
So, who all has played around with the built-in firewall for XP Service Pack 2? I’ve played with it a bit and it seems pretty good, unless there is some unknown exploit for the built in firewall is there any reason to go with a different free solution (for XP that is) like Zone Alarms?
It is a shame that Microsoft is under so much pressure to sink its system to the level of the lowest common denominator. Firewalls on by default? More secure configuration by default? Because thousands os System Admins are too stupid and lazy to read the damned TFM? Very, very sad.
:echo:
Damn, do we have some other jocks in here? Lets hear some numbers! Post or PM....Quote:
Irongeek, I remember you form HDC how much are you pushing now in terms of free weights?
As for the firewall, I would rather have my program control, and AFAIK the new xp one doesn't do that? Helps prevent malware.
Through my dealings with it, I'd say the firewall was fairly decent to start you off with. Turn it on when you first install XP and leave it on until you download a better, more effiecient firewall (such as OutPost, Sygate, Kerio, etc).
Most people (probably 99%) who use windows have little or no computer knowledge and therefore windows should have a default secure install , for everyones sake.Quote:
Originally posted here by !mitationRust
Irongeek, I remember you form HDC how much are you pushing now in terms of free weights?
It is a shame that Microsoft is under so much pressure to sink its system to the level of the lowest common denominator. Firewalls on by default? More secure configuration by default? Because thousands os System Admins are too stupid and lazy to read the damned TFM? Very, very sad.
:echo:
However, many of those people who don't know anything about computers also use XP HOME -- which in the past already had many of the networking features turned off, I think that because of these types of users are the majority Microsoft had to move to protect them (which in turn does create some headaches for sysadmins when sp2 autoinstalls and breaks stuff)
while XP Firewall doesn't block outgoing programs automatically, it does prompt you whether or not to block/unblock a program -- does this mean it can communicate out but not listen for incoming communication (that is not initated by the program)??