Do you use any firewalls besides the one that's built on to windows xp sp2? I like the firewall in SP2, it allows the programs you want to get pass the firewall..I've tried programs such as Zonealarm in the past, and its very annoying with the popup. Everytime a program goes through, or other normal activities from online takes place.

On a note, Zonealarm is stronger, and more protective than the built in firewall in SP2

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I find the SP2 suitable enough for my needs

Converted to Linux 100% now.
Seeing that there is no real need to use a firewall, they still provide
firewalls for the more cautious users.
'Firestarter' is more than enough to use as a firewall IMO.

wish i had linux installed i still have a dual layer iso of suse 10 sittin on my harddisk i need to get a dual layer dvd-r

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windows-->I use McAfee Personal Firewall Plus with SP2.
Linux--> None

I use zonealarm but some times it slows down my system

HELL YES! I use Norton Personal Firewall

There are real reasons to use a firewall. Filtering Traffic! let's say your running a service on your gateway (as an example) - you only want to provide access to the service from inside your LAN, no access from the Internet. This is obviously going to need to be filtered via your firewall.
A firewall is also great for keeping a log of what types of packets are hitting your machine be it normal packets or specially crafted packets to cause problems. If your gateway is not secure than you can assume that the rest of your network isn't either :p.

I use the Norton Internet Security Suite, I get all the norton stuff for free since I'm an employee at BestBuy.

I use Zone Alarm, Its Free and affective. And it dosn't slowdown the PC.

I have the firewall from SP2 turned on but I also have the firewall turned on at the router since a hardware firewall is always better than software and it doesn't affect my system performance.

When I remember to install it, I use Kerio, the free option. Still, over the time I have learnt to surf safe, so I am not in the danger I once was ..

I just use router as a firewall. I don't have any special configuration though. I haven't had any problem ever, so I'm thinking that what I have now is sufficient.

im using zonealarm

I used to use Tiny Personal Firewall until I upgraded to SP2. Besides that I only use a hardware Firewall.