Windows firewall vs Zone Alarm

[fingerstyle]

Are they the same effectiveness or is there a significant difference between them?
Any reasons to choose one over the other?

[sp_100]

ZA is a better product, but it requires more system resources, and sometimes interferes with other applications (or maybe other apps interfere with ZA ).

But please realize that you cannot secure a computer by simply installing some firewall. Security, it a COMPLEX of measures: Passive (not loading junk from the Internet, disabling unnecessary Services, etc.) and Active (firewall, antivirus, etc.).
Note: Any firewall must be properly configured – see documentation.

Strip down all unnecessary services, features and applications:
http://www.fixyourwindows.com/optimizewindows.htm

Install a Hardware Firewall (highly recommended) + Windows (native) Firewall OR ZoneAlarm.

Install the Cheapest Norton Antivirus you can get (or another antivirus application of your choice) – only antivirus, NO extras.

Modify and lock HOSTS file:
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm

Use Mozilla OR FireFox OR Opera instead of Internet Explorer.

And Webroot Spy Sweeper OR Spybot + Ad-Aware AND HijackThis - for periodic scans.




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Additional Security Information:


Information and Computer Security Resources:
http://www.sans.org/resources/

Security Configuration Guides:
http://www.nsa.gov/snac/downloads_all.cfm

CERT:
http://www.cert.org/tech_tips/home_networks.html

Top 10 Potential Problematic Security Settings
for Microsoft Windows XP Professional Edition and Microsoft Windows Server 2003:
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;555069
NOTE: (Most of them are addressed in my Guide)

AntiOnline:
http://www.antionline.com/

Counterexploitation:
http://www.cexx.org/

Home PC Firewall Guide:
http://www.firewallguide.com/

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Hope this helps!

[fingerstyle]

Thanks for all the tips- I've done most of those- I'm just wondering which firewall is preferrable-I'm guessing that as long as you are running one of them it's pretty much a draw???

[sp_100]

Once again, it all depends …

Try ZA – you can always uninstall it. Just don't run two firewalls at the same time – it's unnecessary, and may create some weird site effects.

[Zxian]

I've tried ZA, Kerio, and Sygate, all for extended periods of time (to get a fair comparison) and with all the programs that I use on the internet.

I've found Sygate the most straightforward and easiest to use. Very easy to configure a home network and programs. Very light on system resources (1 process, 6-20MB of RAM depending on network access).

Hope this helps.

[Miz]

There are significant differences between Zone Alarm and XP's firewall.

ZA will block outbound traffic, handy for be alerted when your computer is infested with malware. XP's firewall doesn't care about outbound traffic.

ZA is easier, in my opinion, to configure for a network. XP's firewall requires knowledge about ports and ports numbers I'm far too lazy to learn.

I've had trouble with newer versions of ZA, though, and have gone to Sygate's Personal firewall (also free).