I was scanning my system with an online website based scanner from Nortons website.
I passed every security test they had except the ping request. Heres the 'reply I got from Nortons,'

Your Results:
Port Description Status

It asks your computer to acknowledge its existence. If your computer responds positively to a ping, hackers are more likely to target your computer.
It said the state was open. I'm currently running Windows ICF (Internet Connection Firewall) as the firewall. I also have a router with a built in firewall. Is there a way I can make my system not respond to ping requests? Besides using a very well configured firewall/router? Is there a way in the command prompt or through Windows XP Professional? If so, How can I make my system respond to ping requests but make it look like it's a Linux type box instead of a Windows XP Professional box? Can I do this without downloading 3rd party software? From the prompt or do I have to download 3rd partty software? I searched http://www.google.com/microsoft.html found a couple of things but not what I was looking for. All help appreciated. Thank you Computernerd22