Windows XP Firewall
Yes XP does have a basic firewall that comes with it. I like the Zone Alarm to go with it. Whats better than 1 firewall is two firewalls. I have had a couple things that my windows firewall did not catch.
Also even though XP is getting very safe now, they are still coming out with ways to compromise your pc. Microsoft is coming out with many updates like Service Pack 1 to keep you safe, but it's always better to be safe than sorry.
Zone Alarm can also run your pc stealth, if you'd like so you are invinsible on the internet to pings in most cases.
VERY IMPORTANT!!
Make sure you download all updates for your OS (Operating System)
and keep it up to date with all critical updates.
Go to
www.windows.com
to check for the latest updates for your OS