WinXP x64 free firewalls?

[armilla]

Hi,
I've always used Zone Alarm free as my firewall on my Win2000/XP machines and always found it to be reliable and hassle free. Unfortunately, Zone Alarm does not support WinXP x64 which I'm now using for my workstation, and neither do most of the firewalls you have to pay for. So I'm just wondering what you guys that have gone 64 bit are using in the way of firewalls - preferably free, but if neccessary, I'll purchase one.

Cheers,

Andrew.

[plastic_]

well the windows firewall...
but with a workstation you don't really need a firewall if you are behind a hardware router.

[DaForce]

yeah software firewalls are WAY overrated.
ESPECIALLY if you have a hardware firewall as part of your router or something.

Its funny the "firewalls are vital to online computer use" metality has been drummed into so many users out there that on the few occasions I have asked them to turn their firewalls of to test something and surf the net for a few mins they go into panic stricken "are you sure, but what will happen" mode.

But yeah other than that.. cant help you.. haha sorry.. dont use them myself.
Although I am a little shocked that Zone Alarm doesnt support XP64... actually abit of googling found me this.
http://download.zonelabs.com/bin/free/beta/index.html
A good start atleast.

[armilla]

Thanks guys. To be honest, I've never been sure of the level of security my hardware router (DLink DSL-504) would provide, which is why I've always gone for the added comfort of a software firewall. While I don't think I fall into the category of user you describe Daforce, I've always been of the opinion "it's better safe than sorry", but it's interesting to hear your take on things. Maybe it's time to trust my hardware. Be warned though, if anything goes wrong, I'm going to hold you guys personally responsible!

As for Windows firewall, I won't even go there, only to say that in my limited experience, it's caused nothing but hassle, especially when trying to get it to work across a network and with backburner, etc. Whenever I have to install windows, it's always the first thing I turn off.

Cheers.

[DaForce]

heheh yeah I doubt anyone around here is "that" type of user.

I have been doing tech support for many years now and have seen many people with firewalls and many people without I am yet to see something that a software firewall could have provented. I have also yet to see someones computer get "hacked" as so many of the users are afraid off

Trust your hardware and dont use windows firewall.
Easy

I take no responsibility for any issue that may arise from following my advice.