Desktop Pipeline | Evaluating Windows XP Service Pack 2 RC2

Starting today, Scot Finnie takes a look at the security improvements in Windows XP SP2. Today's installment looks at the new Windows Firewall.

Desktop Pipeline | How-To | Evaluating Windows XP Service Pack 2 RC2: "There are also some advantages to having a firewall onboard. Windows Firewall offers solid basic protection, it's better than ICF (Internet Connection Firewall, the utility it replaces), and it's a lot better than nothing. Windows Firewall is easier to configure, and more importantly, it's better about staying out of the way of your applications. It also now has improved protection during boot and shutdown, something all top-notch software firewalls provide.

The biggest benefit, though, is probably as stand-in protection for mobile PCs connected to hotels and hotspot wireless networks. They're protected back in the office, but on the road or when working at home, they're often sitting ducks. It's very easy to turn Windows Firewall on, and the 'Don't Allow Exceptions' mode locks things down with a very simple control. "