Windows Firewall Question

[Virtual Imager]

The only exceptiion I have set right now is Remote Assistance. If I change this (delete the exceptiion) will I still get automatic live updates for Windows and NAV? What about notifications of available updates on other software on my computer? Does anyone have any preferences about having or not having this exception? What exactly does it do?

[TCH-Dick]

If you are taling about the built in windows firewall, I would recommend switching to something else. I did some testing with the windows firewall. I set it to not allow internet access for Firefox, Trillian and IRC and all of them were still able to connect and be used just as if there was no firewall restrictions in place.

[youneverknow]

The Remote Assistant feature can be turned off. This feature allows a remote computer to help you fix your computer. It actually can be used to enable a expert to takeover your system and fix problems. You will still get updates to windows and Nav.

Here is the quote from MS.

"Remote Assistance provides a way for you to get the help you need when you run into problems with your computer. If you're an experienced user, you can even be the one to use Remote Assistance to directly help your friends and family members.

 

There are three ways to use Remote Assistance, described in the articles in this section. The fastest is via instant messaging using Windows Messenger, described in the first article to the right. You can also initiate Remote Assistance sessions via e–mail, as described in the second article. If you use a Web–based e–mail service, such as MSN® Hotmail®, you can fill out a form and save it as a file to attach to an e–mail, described in the third article.

 

To use Remote Assistance, you will need:

•

 

Two computers running Microsoft Windows XP Professional or Windows XP Home Edition. The computer receiving assistance and the computer providing assistance must both run Windows XP.

•

 

Both computers must be connected via a network or the Internet.

•

 

Windows Messenger must be installed on both computers.

[Virtual Imager]

Thanks. Sounds like I should leave the exception in place. Youneverknow (pun intended) when I might need expert help to fix problems. Do these problems HAVE to be computer related????

[cajunman4life]

I would definately consider using ANY firewall other than Windows Firewall. Personally, I used to use ZoneAlarm, but had problems with version 5 and haven't gone back yet. I'm currently using Kerio Personal Firewall, which is completely free (after a 30 day trial of the "full" version, you can continue to run it. Supposedly some features are disabled, but for the average user, they wouldn't notice the change).

[Zoneraver]

I have never used windows firewall yet as it let things through which i didnt want even though id closed the ports

 

On stand alones I usually use zone Alarm which did have its annoyances with msn messenger and other proggies

 

I mainly use ISA server now but even that is strange as you can have 2 duplicate servers setup exactly the same (apart from the networking obvious (IP/Hostname etc))

 

i connected them to the router so both had full access to the net

 

both were installed and setup exactly the same step by step BUT the differences were totally wild

 

1 allowed irc 1 not (All configs correct)

 

etc etc etc you get the picture for a lot of progs that needed port access

 

The only sure way of sorting it was to first install proxy 2.0 get it perfect then upgrade to isa as it picked up the settings!!!

 

Sorry im blabbing again

 

Alan