Software Firewall for College Laptop

I am setting up a new laptop for college next year. Most of the time, I'll be in my room and behind a Linksys WRT54G hardware firewall, but I'll also be taking my laptop to unsecure locations (class, library, friends, etc.) As such, I think I want to get a software firewall.

1. Do I need a software firewall, or will the Windows XP SP2 firewall be sufficient?

2. If yes I do need a software firewall, which one do you guys recommend? I am looking for a *free* option. I am a computer-savvy user, but I don't want something completely convoluted. The options I have read about are...

Kerio
Zone Alarm
Outpost
Look and Stop
Sygate

Which would you guys recommend?

 

Hi airrob,

I would advise you to view this thread which is similar to your query.

Cheers

Akshay.

PS: My personal recommendation would be Zone Alarm Free.

 

The Windows Firewall will suffice, but if you want application control you will need a software firewall with this ability.

They are all good firewalls, although LnS and Outpost are not free. It is really a matter of personal preference. Of the free ones if you want rule based, Kerio 2.1.5 would be worth looking at. There are still mixed reviews on the new Kerio 4.x with some saying it works fine for them. If it is more just application based, ZA or Sygate.

Regards,

CrazyM