Got a new computer.

I had Zone Alarm Free on the other one and I had no problems.

... now I wonder:

1. Is ZA Free really better than WindowsXP firewall?
2. Which of the two uses less resources?

Thanks!

I used to use ZA free but once I got my router I was comfortable with its built-in hardware firewall duties. ZA does not use a lot of resources and gives you good control and reporting functions (which apps have been granted which rights, etc.)

There's two ways of doing things.
The Micro$haft way or the proper way ;)

As NK mentioned go for a herdware firewall if you can then the inbuilt WIndoze one will be fine for you.
Oh and don't forget your Tin Foil Hat.

No router here. It's a stand alone PC so I'll stick with software for my firewall.

Seems ZA Free is the best rated free firewall out there... but functionality wise, do you think it's really better than the WinXP firewall?

YEP
Which would you rather cut a tree down with ?
An Axe or a Chainsaw?

They both do the job but one is some much more efficient, more quick and hassle free.

Draw your own conclusions ;)

It served me well before... I'll put it back on :)