I've been using free AV programs like AntiVirXP with great success.

Are there any good free firewalls out there that are better than the firewall that comes with windows?

Nothing is "free"

take the time and invest in a router you will be glad you did.

sol...


maybe zone alarm....

you would have to check it out though...

the free version of it....that is...the zone alarm pro is 29 0r 39 bucks

i like the lock feature thus far....stopping all internet activity...

the security warnings can be a pain especially if its trying to protect you from your "own" network ....

Buy a linksys router. Wireless or hard line.
I have several. Wouldn't have it anyother way. With a cable or dsl connection prior to the router and wep encryption I had several attempts a day.
It's worth the bucks.

A router does seem to be the best solution.Decent ones can be had pretty cheap these days too.

I have two machines connected to my Comcast High Speed Internet via a hardwired Linksys 4 port router. I've been paying for Norton Personal Firewall every year and find it well worth it, although I haven't "updated and upgraded yet this year. My Norton keeps reminding me that I'm not fully protected from the latest threats. I like it because I can see real-time network activity. The main reason that I like the Norton firewall, however, is because it's got a built-in Pop-Up/Web Add blocker that is the best I've seen. I get exactly Zero Pop-Up adds, yet I can access services that I need to which would often require me to shut off a pop-up blocker.
I've been using the Comcast free McAfee Anti-Virus and it's been an adventure getting the Norton Firewall and the McAfee Anti-Virus to co-exist peacefully together. I'm thinking of scraping the McAfee and just getting Norton Internet Security Suite 2006 when it comes out.

If you get a router go with the best Linksys!! I have tryed Belkin, Netgear, D-Links, and the Linksys is by far the easiest and fastest of them all!!

You will not need anything else as a firewall as it comes with the router.

As for pop-ups, do Adaware all the time and keep them cookies and tempoary files cleaned out and you will never get Pop-ups!!

Works for me!

If you get a router go with the best Linksys!! I have tryed Belkin, Netgear, D-Links, and the Linksys is by far the easiest and fastest of them all!!

You will not need anything else as a firewall as it comes with the router.

As for pop-ups, do Adaware all the time and keep them cookies and tempoary files cleaned out and you will never get Pop-ups!!

Works for me!

I went with the Linksys BEFSR11 router.Will install tonight after work.

I run my av and Ad-aware daily as well as cleaning out cookies and temp files.