Laurel, Windows XP includes Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) software but it only protects you from incoming and not outgoing (programs on your computer accessing the Internet). It's not recommended that you run more than one software firewall because of possible conflicts between them, so I recommend you leave it disabled and stay with ZoneAlarm which will provide you with much better protection. You can read more about XPs firewall here: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/howto/networking/icf.asp Sven Swanson, Sr. ----- Original Message ----- From: Laurel To: [log in to unmask] Sent: Wednesday, May 15, 2002 11:26 PM Subject: Re: [PCSOFT] Big Rams and Alarming Zones Sven, Thanks for posting the link regarding security. I currently use Zone Alarm and love it. I did some further checking and discovered that I can enable an internet connection firewall by going start - control panel - network & internet connections - network connections. I am running windows xp. Has this firewall always been here and I just didn't realize it? Is it any good? Laurel Salter ----- Original Message ----- From: "Sven" <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Wednesday, May 15, 2002 12:03 AM Subject: Re: [PCSOFT] Big Rams and Alarming Zones > Well first go to http://www.langa.com/newsletters/2000/feb-14-00.htm and > read the 4 myths of online security by Fred Langa, then go to Steve Gibson's > security test at https://grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2 then come back here and > let us know how secure your pc is from attack by hackers. The NOSPIN Group is now offering Free PC Tech support at our newest website: http://freepctech.com