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[gregor]

Or use a Tune up utilities or freeware Fresh Utilities - they have it all.... secret settings, disabling things at startup....

[Icewolf]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Japofran @ Feb 19 2007, 08:31 PM) [snapback]280023[/snapback]</div>

I don't look every single app because I use the Windows firewall and I guess Windows doesn't ask permission about its own apps.[/b]

That's exactly the deceiving thing about PFs. The XP-firewall is one of the worst...

Originally posted by Japofran
Anyway what is a hardware firewall? Please explain because my knowledge on that is none. You need a router for that, a modem won't do, right?

Correct. Most firewalls are implemented in routers. And most of them work sufficiently without configuration.
Usually you get just a "box that makes internet" which is a modem, router and firewall in one.

I really want to point out that thinking: "Ah I have a personal firewall, I'm safe." is really wrong.
Or:"Since I'm protected by it let's see what this attachment 'postcard.eml.exe' is."

[rainman]

Nod32 is the best option. Lightweight and doesn't really let anything to enter into your system. I also use Ad-Aware SE - just to be sure those nasty ad ware doesn't run in background.