Does anybody know of a firewall that I can install without it blocking my network? Zone alarm seems to block it. Thanks.
There are many settings on Zone Alarm which enables network connections. However, simply using WINDOWS XP firewall is your best bet - it self configures. I have been using it since service pack 2 came out, and I don't feel the need to use anything else.
Service pack 2 firewall is so easy to remote-disable it is untrue. If you share a broadband connection via a router, the hardware firewall in the router will block most things, including hijack attempts on Windows Firewakk and in these cases XP's own firewall is a nice unobtrusive solution. If connecting direct from PC to broadband modem, try Kerio Personal Firewall. Although I'm guessing in Yorkie's case, his internet connection is shared across the network.
ZoneAlarm should be reight. Pretty much self configures. As long as you don't block the actual connection thats feeding yer machines. Used to have that problem on a direct shared connection, but via a router its reight.