Firewall Choice and Configuration, advice please

I'm just rebuilding a Vista PC and have the opportunity of Getting It Right This Time, with regard to Internet security. (Not that I had suffered any problems, but prior to the hard disk failing, I was paying for the McAfee Security Suite supplied 'free' with the machine...). So, I am trying to determine the best configuration of tools to use. Starting with the Firewall...

I have read the useful B.C. Tutorial about Firewalls (which, incidentally, appears to have been written in 2004 and not updated since). I have also found this useful recent post from quietman7, explaining the limitations of the built-in Windows Firewall supplied with Vista.

So, my first question ("Is Windows Firewall adequate?") has been answered ("No.")!

Question 2:
The PC is connected (by cable) to a D-Link DIR-615 wireless router. Do I need to configure anything in the router for the hardware firewall to work (or work better)? Or is it OK in its default configuration?
I have looked at the configuration and there's nothing obvious to turn on or off, although there is the facility to set up filtering of specific ports and addresses. I have always found the array of available router settings somewhat bewildering!

Question 3:
Regarding software firewalls: a friend (who has configured my parents laptops) recommended using ZoneAlarm, while MoneySavingExpert recommends using Outpost. I used to use Outpost on a Win98 machine (no longer networked!). Is there anything particular to choose between these firewall packages?

Q3a - Does Outpost update automatically? (If not, how to get updates?)

Edited by D808Centaur, 29 May 2010 - 03:19 PM.

Outpost seems to be working fine.

I'd still like to know about the Router configuration.
Do I need to do anything to use it as a hardware firewall, or does that work by default?

default router settings and windows firewall for home use are usually enough in my opinion. In windows firewall get to know your list of exceptions and check box "Display a notification when Windows Firewall blocks a program"

your can test for security vulnerability at https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2

your can test for security vulnerability at https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2

Excellent website. Thank you.
It noted that WAN Ping was enabled, so I checked in the Router and found out how to turn it off. The in-built Help text also recommended doing so -- presumably it is enabled by default so that the router can be located during initial set-up.
And now it says my computer can't be seen, so I guess you have indirectly answered my question about hardware firewalls

Cheers