Firewall

[armsys]

For Windows 7, do I need additional firewall software such as ZoneAlarm? Would Windows 7 provide sufficient protection?

[HansV]

The built-in Windows Firewall is not the most advanced one, but in combination with a good antivirus program it is sufficient.
It works unobtrusively, you don't have to set anything.
I've been using the Windows Firewall and Microsoft Security Essentials on my Windows 7 PC since January, and they have kept the nasties out.

[JoeP]

I'll echo Hans. I've been running WIndows 7 since August 2009 when it was released to MSDN. I've only used the Windows Firewall. I've used Microsoft Security Essentials since it was a beta release.

If you really want to try to implement the outgoing blocking side of the Windows firewall and don't want to use the stand interface, see Windows 7 Firewall Control : Sphinx Software.

Joe

[Charlotte]

I run Windows 7 with ZoneAlarm and not other anti-spyware software. Works transparently with the ZA spyware and web filters enabled and I've had no problems.