Windows Firewall Sufficient?

[Conrad11]

Hi there,

Can't remember what people said about Windows XP firewall (I know that the Vista one is decent enough), been a while since i have used xp .

So is it sufficient enough or should I use a third party firewall? If so can you recommend a lite one? It is not for an advanced user, and the settings will probably never be changed. Its only for a machine which players movies/internet browsing/email/office that i need to protect.

Thanks.

 

[Conrad11]

The XP Firewall has never given me any issues, however out of choice, I always use Comodo.

If you're after something to only control outgoing connections, then the XP Firewall will be fine.

Comodo would be way too advanced - only need something to protect the computer from hackers/whatever firewalls are supposed to protect from.

 

[Conrad11]

See I have used Comodo before, and it was too complex for every me to get my head around most of it (I would say i was very computer-literate) and I want something i can just stick on a machine and not have to worry about it, ie no popups all the time etc....

It needs to be a pretty compact firewall too as it isn't the faster machine. Its a laptop (Celeron M 1.86Ghz + 512Mb RAM). I was actually thinking of putting Sygate Personal Firewall on there, as it has always seemed pretty basic too me.

I mean on my main machine i am happy with Vista Firewall, but if i was to install another firewall it would be comodo without a doubt, it just i think for the end user (my mum), she'd just get confused

 

[Conrad11]

I wouldn't say Comodo is complexed. I just install it and leave it really. I allow or block whatever apps I get prompted about.

I always prevent the install of the Defence+ feature though. Utter rubbish and never stopped nagging me.

Yeah - i just dont want any popups at all, because it'll only confuse my mum. I remember it would popup asking if i should allow different ports to firefox etc....I hadn't a clue to be honest.