I would like to see the whole post before commenting but it's not a perfect
world so what the hay!

I will just comment on your router comment. In theory you are correct. the
only device the outside world can see on your network is your router. This
does allow you to enjoy some extra security as opposed ot if your one
computer was directly connected to the internet. However, the router will
allow any requested traffic through. For example, if you somehow had a
trojan virus on your computer you could still be vulnerable. If you went
to a malicious website that took advantage of a flaw in windows you could be
vulnerable. There is still a strong case for a firewall even behind a
router. Some linksys routers will integrate with ZoneAlarm and protect your
entire network. The thing with a firewall, or any other security software,
is that it takes some time to learn and tweak it to be just right. If you
have the time (or money to pay someone) you will be bale to find a happy
medium where you have security and useability at acceptable levels. I hope
this answered your question.

"it's not a solution until IT works for you!"

Tom

"msmarti" wrote in message
...
Supposedly this is 'enabled ' by default. How is it
disabled?

This concerns me, because if I enable it now, I cannot get to my other
network shares here at home (we have 4 computers - mine, husband's, laptop
wireless, and file server/upstairs bedroom machine). I don't know why
either.

The networking on XP is puzzling. My husband and I will go thru again and
again sharing our folders, they will work for awhile and then the next
time
we go to access them, it will tell us we do not have access. He runs
ZoneAlarm, I do not, since we also have a router and I see no need to run
a
personal firewall if I have a router. Am I correct?