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I would like advice on the best way to replace an existing firewall program with a new one. Do I uninstall the old firewall before downloading the new program or download the new program and then uninstall the existing firewall. My OS is Windows XP Media Center Edition SP3.
Thanks for the help.
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1. Download new. (some confuse downloading with installing?)
2. Get offline.
3. Remove old.
4. Install new.
Done. And reboot when asked!
Thank you for the help. I was afraid of creating conflicts if I didn't download, install and uninstall in the correct sequence. Now, would you like to recommend a good firewall program? 
To me they all do the same thing. To pick one over the other you would have to tell what feature you were looking for.
For instance someone might want parental filters or timed access or many other features you see today that a firewall really did need to have.
Bob
I'm looking for a program that will protect my computer but is very easy to use. I have an antivirus/antispyware program that I like so I need strictly a firewall. My existing firewall recently upgraded and now I have been having problems with not being able to access it's updates. There must be a conflict somewhere but I'm tired of looking for it so would like to try a different approach.
A firewall is not enough to protect today's computers. In fact most of the protection is still "us." As it stands there is no known software to stop all the threats that we could inflict on our PC. Part is programmed deep in the system.
-> You tell the PC "Install this."
You bet it will.
Ok, here's a few names we see all the time. Al work for us. Read http://forums.cnet.com/5208-6132_102-0.html?messageID=2818255&tag=forums06;posts#2818255
For now I'd take a pass on Zone Alarm.
Bob
I really appreciate all the advice you have given me. ZoneAlarm Pro is the program I want to replace. I've had it for several years and have had good luck with it until recently. My plan was to download a free firewall until the time my antivirus/antispyware program needs to be renewed. At that time I will probably install a security suite in an attempt to avoid the headaches of conflicting programs. Do you recommend I scan my computer for problems after I uninstall the one firewall and before I install the new one? If so, what type of program would I need to install on my computer to achieve this?
Grif tells more at this next link. Read http://forums.cnet.com/5208-6122_102-0.html?threadID=328220#2968150
Thank you for the link and for answering my questions. I feel much more confident about dealing with the security of my computer. Have a great day!
I've been using the freebie ZA for years now with no issues.
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