Sharing ADSL... firewall question!

[shaunj66]

OK, I've wondered about this for ages and never really thought about getting an answer, my question is... i have 2 computers at home, sharing my ADSL connection (which is just an ADSL modem on one computer (the server)), and just shared using XP Home Networking through a crossover cable. I have Norton Personal Firewall installed on the server, set to run at startup.

My question is, if the server is turned on and left at the XP logon screen, and my other pc is turned on and trys to connect to the internet, it will make the server dialup the adsl connection, but if the server is still on the logon screen will the Norton firewall be active/started? I thought it only started when a user logs on (shown in system tray).

I'm just worried about the saftey of the connection... oh, and no; I don't use XP's built in firewall, just Norton.

Thanks for your time!

 

[Zedric]

I think the NPF is started as a service when the machine starts, The thing that starts in your tray is just the monitor program. Their anti-virus software works that way anyway.

So, no you don't have to log in to have the firewall on.

 

[shaunj66]

Thanks for the reply Zedric, I appreciate it! And that makes sense too.
Cheers!

 

[SkazzyUK]

Sure you wouldn't rather use the trusty XP firewall?!!

Skazz

 

[03bigMark03]

XP firewall

No! never use that XP crap.

yer it's good having services on windows NT/2k/XP/.NET machines. All the services would hae to be loaded because I bet the login screen it self uses some sort of service.

Well anyway, I'm going to install FreeBSD on my second box soon to act as an Internet gateway and hopefully a firewall if I manage to learn it lol.

Freebsd is a bit more secure than XP firewall lol.

 

[SkazzyUK]

fair enough lol I was only j'king bout the whole xp firewall

Skazz

 

[dreamworks]

Hhmmm .. Honestly I find the default XP firewall to be quite good though .. serves its purpose as one would have to understand that it is not a full scale firewall ..

 

[SkazzyUK]

Dreamworks: in you sig it should be Kingston not kinston

Skazz

 

[dreamworks]

Hehehe .. thanks for the notification .. never realize you'd pay attention !