XpProSvcPack2 vs firewalls

[atc_traffic856]

Do you get any advantage if you are using two, or three PC's that are connected via LAN; if you have XpPro sevice pack two that has its own fire walls? As per se for example; if you were to use a downloaded version Zone Alarm or one of the other fire walls??

[classicsoftware]

The firewall in SP2 is just about useless.

Use one of the free firewalls:

Zone Alarm
Sygate
Kerio

[atc_traffic856]

Thank you for the information, if I have Norton installed on the two PC's that are running XpPro would this suffice? Although I could use Zone Alarm free, there seems to be more problems within the Firewall of this software vs XpPro firewall; when you are trying to set a LAN between the two PC's? Also I will setup with a DSI Router, as to which one I have not decided- for most Routers do they come with a firewall?
If they do would you have too manipulate any of wthe other firewalls whether XpPro or a down loaded firewall? What would be a good router to use for LAN?
Thank you

[classicsoftware]

The Windows firewall only blocks incoming traffic, not outgoing. It is a very poor firewall. The router will act as a much better firewall to the outside world.

It is very easy to allow local network traffic with any of the firewalls mentioned above. I have 7 pc's running sygate and they all speak to each other just fine.

I personally find the Norton products to be slow and buggy.