Windows Firewall good enough?

I subscribe to a newsletter from Bob Rankin (Ask Bob Rankin: http://askbobrankin.com) and have learned much so much about computers. In one of his newsletters he states that running a Windows Firewall is adequate - no need for another type of software firewall (although he recommends a hardware firewall).

I use a NAT router for my home computers. I have used Zone Alarms freeby but it bogged my machine down so much it became very annoying - and therefore I removed it. Currently, I'm using Windows Firewall (XP Home Edition - SP3) with Avast's free antivirus package (Home Edition 4). Is this adequate protection? Is Steve Gibsons ShieldsUp program still relevant or has Microsoft improved their firewall enough.

Thanks for any information you may provide.

First...don't believe everything you read, especially on the Internet .

As a firewall, the Windows firewall is perfectly functional/useful. The main reason why users (like me) choose to use another firewall...is the desire for features that the Windows firewall does not provide. But the Windows firewall does provide the basic firewall protective feature that a firewall should.

ZA causes problems on many systems, I think it a good move that you chose to remove it.

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No...it's the basic part of a system protection package. At the very least (IMO), a system should have a firewall, a reliable AV program which is routinely updated and run...and (IMO) 2 malware defense programs that are designed to detect/remove spyware/adware. I prefer SUPERAntiSpyware and Spybot S&D, but there are others which you can choose from which seem to work at least equally well.

And...remember that it is consistently proven that the weakest link in any malware defense program...is the user. It's not the firewall that breaks down...it's not the AV that breaks down...it's the user and her/his reluctance to commit to what is known as smart/safe computing.

Spyware And Malware Removal Guides Index - http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/171335/spyware-and-malware-removal-guides-index/

How to Thwart Malware and Surf the Internet Safely - wikiHow - http://www.wikihow.com/Thwart-Malware-and-...Internet-Safely

Make Internet Explorer Safer- Configure the Security Settings - http://surfthenetsafely.com/ieseczone8.htm

Malware - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malware

Malware hitches a ride on digital devices - http://www.securityfocus.com/news/11499

Malware Prevention - Preventing Re-infection - The Elder Geek on Windows XP - http://www.theeldergeek.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=15267

System Restore and malware removal - what is best practice - Spyware Sucks - http://msmvps.com/blogs/spywaresucks/archi...9/17/66724.aspx

As for Steve Gibson...I've heard the name but I'm obviously not a fan (since I don't know who he might be). But I do know that there is no one person that has all the answers about implementing/maintaining security on a PC.

Louis