For those that don't know about Microsoft's latest update..

[Joe]

Originally Posted by amber438

Most of you know I am an MCSE (microshit engineer) from way back..also novell and cisco, etc..
If you plan on continuing to use Windows XP, even tho it is not the best operating system in the world, there will come a day when you will not be able to update and get the patches without it. Period. If I am not mistaken, Tuesday is the day.
You need to be sure all of your other software is up to date (you should anyway) and stable before you do.

I run za and have version security suite 5.5.062.011, which is the most STABLE of the new security suite versions. I have spysweeper but stuck with Version 3.2.0 (Build 148) because it is the least intrusive and most stable one, I use Norton system works 2004 because it is the most stable one for my system. Do you see a pattern?

Pick your accompanying software carefully. I know we should be able to use any damn thing we want but sometimes, with certain things, one must investigate and possibly upgrade for the health of the system.
Software companies are slowly making their products SP2 compatible so look out for upgrades on items you use.

And set scans daily and weekly to keep you secure even tho you are behind a nat or hardware firewall just because. You need a trojan scanner, spyware scanner and antivirus scanner to be on the neurotic safe side.
There have been a few minor firefox exploits and a few minor mac exploits in the past few months so beware, the hackers and idiots who do this are getting smarter by the minute.

Hanging out on exploit irc channels will really open your eyes but be careful.

You're a certified computer engineer, but yet you're using ZA?

There are a few other firewalls that outperform ZA-- And offer more advanced controls.

Anyways, there's probably a reason why you're still using ZA... Either that, or I'm just too obsessed about my incoming and outgoing traffic.

[amber438]

Originally Posted by Joe

You're a certified computer engineer, but yet you're using ZA?

There are a few other firewalls that outperform ZA-- And offer more advanced controls.

Anyways, there's probably a reason why you're still using ZA... Either that, or I'm just too obsessed about my incoming and outgoing traffic.

I've used sygate for years and just switched to za to play with it on my honey pot. I have a hardware firewall for the rest of the network. Nortons is good also but intrusive. Tiny firewall is soso and Kerio is very good. I dont love McAfee products but their firewall is supposed to be good. Panda is ok too.

Interesting personal firewall info here from GRC, my fav security site.

For the average user, these are fine. They are really not obsessed with in/out..
The best by far is to have a hardware one and not think about it.