Recommend a Software Firewall for a WinXP Router


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Hi All,

I have a small network running which is making use of a one way satellite DVB solution for Internet. This requires me to uplink using a different internet connection and requires a router to work. As such i have conected an ISDN modem to a WinXP computer with routing enabled and the setup is operational. However, I need a firewall on the WINXP router and need recommendations on that. The firewall needs to be configured for use on a router and needs to only block "hacker" traffic. Please recommend me one. I have access to ZoneAlarm, Kerio, Norton.

Also, the router runs a POP3 Mail server and a Web Server. So the firewall needs to be able to handle this also.

I am familiar with the basics of ZoneAlarm and have been using it for sometime now. Will it serve my purpose. I need it to be configured for use on a router and I am not quite sure.

Thanks in advance.

Sumit

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the firewall integrated w/ XP isn't very good... it's like an extremely lite version of a firewall with some weaknesses that should just be bypassed as a whole... IMHO :)

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the firewall integrated w/ XP isn't very good... it's like an extremely lite version of a firewall with some weaknesses that should just be bypassed as a whole... IMHO :)

What weaknesses does it have? Excluding all outbound vulnerabilities because the XP Firewall doesn't block outgoing.

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I think the outgoing port issue of ICF will probably be fixed the beginning of this year. Microsoft said they would be beefing it up and also enabling it (DOH!) in the next service pack of XP.

I thought he was referring to the XP machine as his router.

From his first post, I thought the same thing.

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I think the outgoing port issue of ICF will probably be fixed the beginning of this year.  Microsoft said they would be beefing it up and also enabling it (DOH!) in the next service pack of XP.

I hope they don't make that mandatory, one of the reasons I use ICF is because it doesn't bother with outgoing traffic. I hate my outgoing traffic to be blocked, it pointless. I know what's coming from my computer.

By the way where did you read that? I can't find anything on it.

Edited by OPaul
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I use sygate. I'd recommend Kerio if you're familiar with it. I'd DIS-recommend ZA, & Norton, and the XP included firewall sure as heck is "lite'' .. though you might possibly be satisfied with it, i've seen an abnormal occurrance of 'issues' and don't trust it to be stable or reliable.

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icf is just going to be enabled by default, not that big of a deal.

It is going to have ALOT more changes then just enabling it by default..... From what I understand you will also be able to scan outgoing traffic instead of just incoming traffic. You will also be able to block outgoing ports. For companies with more then one XP machine, you will be able to administer all of the ICF settings from one location. That sounds like a lot more then just enabling it.

Edited by Fowen
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