I was reading in a post on down in this section, an opinion that the SP2 Firewall in XP may still allow problems.

I have XP Pro on my built computer. I run Avast Anti VIRUS and rely only on the Firewall protection from the SP-2 pack.

Should I grab a different free one? Or actually buy one?

Thanks,Last I heard XP doesn't monitor outgoing traffic.
I use Sygate [highlight]Version 5.5 Build 2710[/highlight], it won't be available for much longer so grab it while you can.
http://207.33.111.31/spf/Also Zonelabs is still free for the personal version.  Like some others it can be set to only allow known programs outgoing access. This will block unauthorised access by any nasties you might get.  

However, a basic blocking firewall as with the native XP is probably ok if you are otherwise careful and have good virus and spyware monitoring. Depends on your preference to a degree.

The Simple Security Team
http://www.lulu.com/simplesecurityno its not man you can get the codes for it in like 30 seconds

R0SSNo, the SP2 firewall is not that great. It prevents some (limited) incoming programs, but no outgoing... Very weak... I use ZoneAlarm. Love it  

FlameI love using zonealarm myself to. I haven't had any troubles with my computer at all.Zonealarm is rubbish ,,,,,,,, Use Kerio personal firewallOK, just for the sake of asking. (because I'm not quite sure) What exactly is outgoing traffic. I'm guessing its info being sent from your computer that could be grabbed by someone you don't want having it?

And I'm assuming you don't want to run 2 firewalls as in don't want to run 2 anti virus programs?

As for current protection on my built XP Pro computer. I am running Avast Anti Virus, Ewido, Spybot and Spybot Resident, Ad-Aware, CCleaner, Microsoft Anti Spy, and the Microsoft Firewall in SP-2. I am a little concerned because I did have a worm (don't remember the particulars, name-wise) jump in on me a couple of weeks ago, but Avast was on it immediately. I thought I was locked down safe.

I am on top of all up-dates and try to be very carefull in my computing habits.

Thanks,

I am connected to the internet with an LAN?  My provider calls it a highspeed wireless connection.

Is one firewall better than the other for this type of internet connection?As the saying goes, TWO heads are better than one. Usually, two firewalls are better then one. Since I RECENTLY switched to Linux, I really don't have to worry about firewalls. But, I setup my parents computer on some proxies soStick with Zonealarm    The SP2 firewall is no good for what you need.

FlameGamers and SP2 HATE each other. They never get along...Well, I will probably d/l Zonealarm shortly.

I was not even aware that the Microsoft Firewall was not that good until I read it on here in a different post. Just before Christmas I was able to get a wireless connection.      Had been on dial up for 5 years. Live out in the country.

I am still learning about XP too (Well I'm still learning period about computers and eager to do so) . Had always had ME on my old computer (bought new by me 5 years ago).

Thanks for the replies,The best choice you ever made was switching from ME to XP.    Come back and see us if you have any more questions.

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The best choice you ever made was switching from ME to XP.    Come back and see us if you have any more questions.

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