Networking XP and Vista OK? Even XP Home?

[BBCMember]

Have a client that has about 5 computers, some XP and some Vista. Which firewall would you suggest and do XP and Vista network well together? What if some of them are XP home?

 

[JackMDS]

Are you talking about software Firewall or an Hardware Appliance.

Hardware Firewall depends on the topology of the system and need like VPN etc.

As for Sharing, WinXP and Vista share OK.

However to achieve better security and more control over the sharing I would upgrade the Win XP Home to Win XP Pro or Vista.


Successful Sharing involves some general consideration in Network settings,http://www.ezlan.net/sharing.html

As well as specific adjustment of each computer according to what it is allowed to be shared.

Vista File and Printer Sharing- http://www.microsoft.com/techn...evaluate/vista_fp.mspx

Basic XP - http://www.microsoft.com/techn...ntain/filesharing.mspx

Advanced XP - http://support.microsoft.com/d...x?scid=kb;en-us;304040

Printer Sharing XP - http://www.microsoft.com/windo...t/honeycutt_july2.mspx

Windows Native Firewall setting for Sharing XP - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875357

Windows XP patch for Sharing with Vista - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922120

 

[BBCMember]

Thanks. Was talking software.

 

[JackMDS]

Vista Native Firewall is a Good two way Firewall with a lot of advance features..

WinXP Firewall is only one way Firewall (blocks what come in but Not what goes out).

I personally prefer to run on WinXP a very light Firewall.

This is free and works well, http://www.agnitum.com/product...tpostfree/download.php

In addtition each computer should run AntiSpy ware and AntiVirus.

Assemble Freeware Security suit for Internet Connection: http://www.ezlan.net/security.html