How effective is the Windows firewall?

I'm use ZoneAlarm and Avast! Antivirus, but I'm finding that ZoneAlarm is slowing my transfer rate some in gaming.

Would switching to the Windows firewall be faster and maintain a good enough level of security?

Thanks

 

If you are a safe computer user, Windows Firewall is fine. ZoneAlarm is a good firewall, but I found it annoyed me more than anything else when I tried it out.

 

i have never used any other firewall program and i have never had anything serious happen to my computers, just be aware of what you are doing and learn what people do to take control of you computer and just don't allow them to do so.

don't be dowloading everything you can find on you p2p programs, torrent etc.

a good free antivirus program like AntiVir XP and windows spyware beta have been good enough for me since i have had my new notebook (for over 6 months)

 

Windows firewall is alright. I trust it enough with my computer along with the Mcafee Firewall. I never had a feeling to install zone alarm or other various firewalls.

 

I only use Windows Firewall. I see no reason to run two at a time. It just makes it harder to add exceptions. I also don't care for the decrease in system performance when running those security centers.

If I were to run a third party firewall, I'd probably choose the Panda one, because I like the Panda AV.

I'm behind a router and I try to stay as secure as possible without loading my computer with programs.

 

Soo.. would it be safe enough to uninstall ZoneAlarm and just use Avast! Antivirus and the Windows Firewall?

Also, does the Windows Firewall allow faster transfer than ZoneAlarm? I find that ZoneAlarm slows my transfer rate in gaming as it checks packets.

 

It ought to. It's worth a shot. I can't really compare ZoneAlarm to Windows Firewall. I haven't used ZA for the longest time.

I don't know if this problem still exists, but when I used to use Zone Alarm (many years ago, before I knew a little about computers) I uninstalled it and it prevented me from accessing the internet. There is probably a utility or tutorial you can use to remove it completely.

That might not be an issue anymore, though.

 

If you have a router with a firewall, then XP's firewall will work fine. That's what I used for awhile, and since I've gotten my router, I haven't gotten a virus/worm/etc.

Even if you don't have a router, XP's firewall should be good enough to block most things. Just be careful of what you download.

 

Technically...Windows Firewall is very efficient. Most software firewalls are not as effective. I use it, along with a router with SPI enabled.

 

I also use windows firewall and have never had problems.
Now i use a router with firewall and also heve no problems.
You just have to know what you are doing and you wil have no problems with windows firewall.

 

I used ZA on my tower for 3 years but had issues with it on my new notebook on wireless (blocked out programs) I switched to Netveda, a free FW user rated highly on downloads, and have had no problems..

 

The main thing I'm focusing in firewall selection is how much the program slows down my transfer rate. I would assume the Windows Firewall doesn't slow it down as much as ZoneAlarm.

 

I am not using anything and I've been fine for 3 years now!!!

Win automatic updates: OFF
Win firewall: OFF
Win virus protection: OFF
I don't use internet explorer
I don't use outlook
I've never updated my sys with win updates!!!
Be careful @ emails
Be carefull at downloads on limewire
Use a router!!!


My system has been running like a champ for day one!!!

Cheers.

 

Yeah, I'm not at school though so I don't use a router. I guess you use a router firewall then? They're pretty effective.. or even just using a router is effective since it masks your individual IP.

 

No, no firewall, just a regular router.

I think You should be fine be just deactivationg win crap, not using IE and outlook.

 

I have Windows Firewall activated along with my router's firewall, which is on by default, and Avast Pro.

Nothing wrong so far. Works great~!

I have a Belkin Pre-N wireless router, which I regret buying now because I got a new atheros card in my laptop and it's capable of up to 108mbps, instead of the regular 54mbps.



Cheers,
Mike