Windows XP SP2 Firewall or McAfee? - Talk Root - PC Hardware, Software and Web Development forums

Premierboy · 04-01-2005, 04:59 AM

I use AOL as my ISP and am currently being offered a free subscription to McAfee firewall as part of the overall package. I use Windows XP with SP2 installed and so I already have a firewall protecting my computer. A firewall reportedly much improved on SP1.
My question is this. Is there a significant difference between my current firewall and those offered by other vendors? If I were to download McAfee's product, would I then need to disable Windows firewall or can they coexist?
Does having more that one firewall better my odds of avoiding the myriad nasties currently streaking through The Network?

ArunK · 04-01-2005, 10:53 PM

You can have both installed, it shouldn't matter too much, just like you can have more than one antispyware programs like I currently have installed on my computer. Initially you will keep getting messages to allow/disallow a program to do something like access the internet, or be added to the startup folder or something like that, but it should be OK.

Premierboy · 04-02-2005, 01:54 AM

recently downloaded a copy of Microsoft's AntiSpyware program, currently a beta1 product.
It's a neat little package with a very approachable interface. Would I be right in thinking that this long overdue addition to the battlefield could be the most potent weapon currently at our disposal for the detection and removal of infected files?
The fact that it is being produced by the only company which has exclusive, unobstructed access to every part of the Windows operating system gives Microsoft the upper hand by being able to use few tricks of there own in order to aid detection.
As I understand, a firewall prevents unauthorised programs accessing my computer.
This is achieved by ensuring that only essential ports are open and when authorised programmes are finished with them, they are closed.
Windows XP's firewall prevents ports being opened externally but has no ability to prevent installed programs whether authorised or not from opening a port (as I understand).
But Microsoft's antispyware program contains three components which:

(a)..monitor a number of checkpoints for potential threats making changes to your installed applications, such as modifying Internet Explorer or downloading ActiveX applications from the Internet.
(b).. monitor a number of checkpoints for potential threats making unauthorised or hazardous changes to your computer, such as altering your security permissions or system settings.

And most importantly:

(c)..Internet Agents monitor applications that make unauthorised connections to the Internet or change your computer's Internet connections settings such as dial-up or wireless connectivity.

So using XP's firewall together with Microsoft's antispyware program seems to be a sure thing.

imported_Spencer · 04-13-2005, 08:48 AM

I agree with Premierboy. I suggest running Microsoft's Firewall together with Microsoft's AntiSpyware program. They really work well together and I think Microsoft is the only one that can really help to completely eliminate spyware from your computer, because, well, they built Windows. ;)