Jackie said:
When I used Norton Internet Security I knew how to allow trusted programmes
to connect to the Internet. I got rid of that and now just use Windows
Firewall. Can I allow programmes access in a similar way?
No need. WinXP's built-in firewall allows everything on your hard drive
access to the Internet, and without bothering to let you know, as well.
(Of course, you also have no control.)
Or does Windows
Firewall function in a different way?
The Windows Firewall included with SP2, while vastly superior to
the original ICF in terms of visibility, usability and configurability,
is still rather lacking, as a solid security component. It still can't
supplant 3rd-party solutions, nor is it intended to do so; rather, it's
intended to complement them. And, like the original ICF, it will not
monitor out-going traffic.
WinXP's built-in firewall is usually adequate at stopping incoming
attacks, and hiding your ports from probes. What WinXP SP2's firewall
does not do, is protect you from any Trojans or spyware that you (or
someone else using your computer) might download and install
inadvertently. It doesn't monitor out-going traffic at all, other than
to check for IP-spoofing, much less block (or at even ask you about) the
bad or the questionable out-going signals. It assumes that any
application you have on your hard drive is there because you want it
there, and therefore has your "permission" to access the Internet.
Further, because the Windows Firewall is a "stateful" firewall, it will
also assume that any incoming traffic that's a direct response to a
Trojan's or spyware's out-going signal is also authorized.
ZoneAlarm, Kerio, or Sygate are all much better than WinXP's
built-in firewall, and are much more easily configured, and there are
free versions of each readily available. Even the commercially
available Symantec's Norton Personal Firewall is superior by far,
although it does take a heavier toll of system performance then do
ZoneAlarm or Sygate.
Having said that, it's important to remember that firewalls and
anti-virus applications, which should always be used and should always
be running, while important components of "safe hex," cannot, and should
not be expected to, protect the computer user from him/herself.
Ultimately, it is incumbent upon each and every computer user to learn
how to secure his/her own computer.
--
Bruce Chambers
Help us help you:
They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin
Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrand Russell