Current Windows XP firewall and malware recommendations?

[1992casey]

I'm looking for a a free firewall that runs decently on Windows XP without confusing the user. This would be for two older computers and a netbook.

 

These computers have been using Zone Alarm. As that program has grown, it seems to slow things down much more than it did in the past (especially when starting up the computer).

 

Also, for malware, has anyone tried Microsoft Security Essentials? It looks like something that would run happily on these less capable machines.

[DSFastball55]

As long as you're behind a router and you run your updates, I am of the opinion that firewall software beyond the built-in Windows firewall is just overkill.

[Nottso]

I use Malwarebytes freeware, and have had zero problems.

 

I also really like Avast Antivirus (also freeware) with their "on access" protection. It scans every email, every download, alerts when a webpage tries to install a nasty, etc.

 

Both work wonderfully on XP.

[sgtcluels]

MS Security Essentials actually works pretty decently. Especially on malware.

[1992casey]

As long as you're behind a router and you run your updates, I am of the opinion that firewall software beyond the built-in Windows firewall is just overkill.

 

I think this is a viable option for one of the computers. The others are too mobile. This computer is connected directly to the gateway. I'd guess there's a firewall in there. Any tips on configuring it?

MS Security Essentials actually works pretty decently. Especially on malware.

 

I"ve been considering this. It looks like it's supposed to be easy on resources. Of course, there's no firewall.

I use Malwarebytes freeware, and have had zero problems.

 

I've heard very good things about this. Since the freeware version doesn't run in the background, it would seem that this one is good to keep around to supplement one's "main" malware application(s)... just update and scan periodically.

 

We've frequently "debated" the merits of free vs. paid protection. I've been a big proponent of going free, but I'm starting to move in the direction of paying for "under one roof" protection for most people. Putting everything under one roof makes it more likely that one would keep up with any manual tasks that might be required.

 

Anyway, one of these computers is getting Norton Internet Security - Netbook Edition. (The netbook version is good for all types of machines.) It's good for three computers, so another machine in the house will be covered. If we find we don't like Norton, we can go to another suite next year.

 

I'm thinking of Microsoft Security Essentials for the others. That doesn't include a firewall, so that's something I still need to find for one of the machines.