Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) Is this a true statement?

[ppark001]

Hi All,

I have a Dell Laptop at home that I use to connect to my company's server (Windows 2000). I use both "Cisco VPN Client" and "Remote Desktop Connection" successfully through a home DSL/Router. I just upgraded to XP from 2000.

Here is my question. Is the XP "Internet Connection Firewall" useless to me? With the marketing of it, it seems very cook, but the 1st advice everyone gives when connectivity is an issue is "Disable ICF". Bottom line is, who benefits from "ICF"

 

[Andyleates]

I would say it's there for people who connect directly onto the internet. Many ADSL users / dial up users do not connect through a router, many of which already have a firewall built in.

Andy

Andy Leates MCSE CCNA MCP+I

 

[brownlg]

I think the consensus today is that you should run both a hard (router) AND soft (ICF) firewall. ICF is rather limited though, but it IS built-in (free) after all. I'd look at a third party solution (ZoneAlarm, Trend, McAfee, etc.)

Les Brown
Kelly Services, Inc.