Kerio w/ XP Firewall

Description: I use Kerio Firewall with XP Firewall

I havn't installed SP2 yet (CDs are on the way) so I use Kerio Firewall with XP firewall. Why? Because Kerio is easily terminated, if I right click then exit, Kerio exits even though I run as limited user. At least in Zone Alarm if I exit, it comes with a confirmation popup and won't let a limited account exit the firewall. And when I change users between Owner account and then log back into the limited account the Kerio Firewall sometimes crashes. So I have to run two firewalls at the same time, at least Windows XP firewall doesn't crash...

I know I shouldn' read two firewalls at the same time, as they may conflict with each other, but what can I do? If Kerio keeps on crashing... and when it crashes I can't restart it by going to Start>Programs>Kerio>Firewall Engine it simply won't work. What is your input on this

 

There is a registry value "allwayssecure" if set to 1 Kerio may be terminated, but all net access is cut off. Do a search for it, as ther are some implications to using it. Don't run two firealls at the same time, conflictsd are likely.

Why does everyone want two firewalls and two AV's? Do you want to wear two pairs of undershorts?

 

I've a friend who runs Kerio with his XP firewall...and AVG free. He says??.... that this fellow http://www.rayshaw.im.com.au/ advised him that it was fine to do??

 

Get a router and just run one software firewall - mainly for outgoing protection.
Let the router handle the incoming.

 

A router is expensive and an overkill for a home PC. It had to be said...

 

But it's probably the best advice...

 

Which version of Kerio?

While it would not be a requirement for a stand alone system, it is still an option and basic NAT routers can be had for less than some software firewalls.

Regards,

CrazyM

 

No they aren't. And no it isn't. It had to be said
Routers are inexpensive. In some cases less than a software firewall. And a router belongs between every home user's PC and the internet. Hardly overkill, but rather almost a given.

Sooner or later everyone has to disable their software firewall for one reason or another. With a good hardware firewall such as a good router, you are still protected. XP's firewall is not even close to the same protection. And under normal circumstances, a router can actually take some load off of your computer because instead of your software firewall having to combat incoming traffic all day long, the router is knocking it down before it ever gets there.
They are also just as easy or easier to setup as a software firewall.

But to each his own.

 

In my three to four years of using Kerio 2.xx, I have never once seen it terminated by any worms whatsoever, I only recently came to know about the alwayssecure reghack but the termination problem was never faced by me, I have been to some pretty nasty sites so should have faced the flack.

 

I used the lastest Kerio 4.x, I now switched to ZoneAlarm and it is tottally stable now. No problems whatsoever, although it may seem a little "begginer" like for some, it perfectly fills my needs.

 

It is all about what works best for you and you are most comfortable with. Glad to hear you have everything working as it should.

Regards,

CrazyM

 

ZA may seem "beginner" because in its default mode it is suitable for beginners. Try making some advanced rules or turning on advanced application controls and it is not so "beginner".

 

Diver - Right you are.. Trying to do rules in ZA is anything but intuitive..

 

Diver,

I fully agree, tried making a block outbound port 80 for Thunderbird which was a dream to do in KPF2, it is a nightmare, even the so-called gurus can't answer my query at ZA forum.