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Software Firewall

Windows XP Service Pack 2 now ships with a basic Windows Firewall enabled by default. However, anyone who has seen the controls and options available in ZoneAlarm will know that the built-in firewall is seriously basic, so it's worth getting ZoneAlarm even if you think you're protected.

ZoneLabs offer ZoneAlarm in two different versions - pro and personal. Personal is free, Pro has a small cost attached, but gives you even more control. ZoneAlarm is our preferred software firewall solution.

Please note that software firewalls are never as good as a hardware firewall. This is principally because they have to justify their existence to the user - if you thought the firewall hadn't blocked anything, then it wouldn't be worth paying the extra for the pro version. When it tells you it's blocked 9,000,000 hack attempts, you are far more likely to part with your hard-earned cash. If a hardware firewall is an option for you then it's a good idea.