[slodave]

I wouldn't say bad, but not always necessary. You guys saw what can happen with third party apps. If you have a DSL/cable modem that is attached to a broadband router with a built in firewall, I'd recommend uninstalling any apps like ZA and just use the Windows built in FW along with the router. In the above, you would have 2 FW's in use and not using more OS resources than needed. Never install two (including using MS FW along with another FW app). FW's on a single computer. This is a sure way to keep you safe, but will almost always guaranty that you will never connect to the Internet.

Dave