I wouldn't employ XPs firewall, especially with all of the much better and free choices out there. As for the security site, the info that I've gleaned from others says that depending on the site, it might be checking for settings that are default on its product, thus not providing much reliable info. However, if you want one, there is one at Norton's site, http://security.symantec.com/ssc/hom...RVWHFHMFNZMBBX

Here are some places with free firewalls:

http://www.agnitum.com/products/outpost/
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/conten...jsp?lid=nav_za http://soho.sygate.com/products/shield_ov.htm

As for the proper settings, most of the defaults will probably be sufficient, and any other info you need can be found either in the help files or someplace out on the net, like here--this place has been truly invaluable to me