Microsoft to push XP SP3 via Auto Update on July 10

[vurbano]

no issues here

 

[snathanb]

The problem is not SP3. It was the last security update (KB951748) from MS that zapped ZoneAlarm. ZoneAlarm Instant Support
Uninstalling the security update will restore internet connectivity.

New version of ZoneAlarm is available here. ZoneAlarm SmartDefense Research Center

And that was a b*tch to track down why suddenly all my computers could resolve and ping IP addresses, but not access the internet.

 

[Jim S.]

hacker target..

Wrong.

I didn't say I had no firewall, I said I had no software firewall on my XP machines.

Actually, the one that comes with XP is there, but it's set as low as possible, so I wasn't counting it. I only have it on in case any spyware gets past my antivirus program, which so far nothing has. Any external attacks get stopped at the DSL modem / router, where they belong. Letting them through to a general-purpose computer, and then hoping there isn't an exploitable bug in your software firewall, isn't the safest thing.

 

[hdtvtechno]

Just a FYI
XP built in firewall program is only one way protection...
You need either a router firewall or someother firewall software for outbound / inbound traffic protection..

 

[navychop]

But I do admire your confidence.

I use hardware and software firewalls. I've tried machines with both Windows and third party firewalls both on. I fully believe that some stuff still gets thru. From what I read, there's some percentage of malware that simply isn't detected by ANY firewall, virus or defender software/firmware.

 

[Poke]

Yeah hardware firewalls are always better to use. As far as OS firewall Vitsa built in one dose both inbound and outbound..