Windows firewall/internet connection sharing

[benny bronx]

Hi fellow members:

Just a quick question. if I am not using the built in firewall on my home XP SP2, and am not networked with any other comp, is there any problem with disabling this service? Thank you for your anticipated courtesy in this matter (sorry about that last line, but I been writing business letters all morning).

Benny.

[TopperID]

It might be possible, on XP SP2, to disable both Windows Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing and Application Layer Gateway Service; but check here first for possible consequences:-

http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/Services/Windows_Firewall_Internet_Connection_Sharing_(ICS).htm

http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/Services/Application_Layer_Gateway_Service.htm

[Stem]

Hello Benny,

On my own setups I have never had any problems after disabling the windows firewall/ICS service (or ALG service). I have not had these enabled for many years.

Is there some particular reason you want to disable this service? or is it just a case of disabling un-used windows services?

[benny bronx]

Hi TopperID and Stem:

Thank you for your replies. Stem, I'm just trying to trim down the running services on my box. I'm behind a router/firewall and am using DSA so I felt that it was an unecessary service. I was just wondering if there was any security consequences if I disabled that service. So far, so good. Thank you for the links ToperID.

[Stem]

Hi Benny,

Yes, understand.
I was at one point going to make a thread on the needs of certain windows services, but, there are sites that can give this info, as with the link given by "TopperID".

Another site you may like to check out (http://www.theeldergeek.com/services_guide.htm), link given is for windows services, but other info available there

[benny bronx]

Thank you Stem.

[Stem]

Your welcome Benny,

I know such as windows services may not be (as such) directly related to "firewalls", but some services, that do use internet, for me are. As for example "RemoteRegistry" (http://www.theeldergeek.com/remote_registry.htm), does a user want this? or even know about this?.