Which IDS do you recommend?

Depends totally on what you are doing with your PC. If it is solely an Internet client, no need at all to have an IDS (Intrusion Detection System). IDS is to spot illegal traffic coming towards your server apps, which is too complicated to be spotted on firewall level. For simple desktop connection, firewall level is definitely sufficient.

For firewalls, you can first try to do with XP's standard one or even by manual procedures like keeping NetBIOS unbound on the Internet NIC. I too have a simple (W2K) cable-connected desktop, and for the 2 years that it is online now I never had a hack. Also you can first do the ShieldsUp test at www.grc.com and then decide which of their advices to follow...

Hope this helps,

- The Netherlands

First of all I wonder if you mean IDS or Firewall?

And IDS and a Firewall are idealogically different. A Firewall, which is the normal selection for a home or small office user to protect his PC. This appears to be your situation. An IDS is much more complicated, and designed for businesses to further control access to their network and identify possible unauthorized access. There are two general types, NIDS and HIDS. NIDS, Network Intrusion Detection Systems, normally require multiple hosts, serving as sensors throughout the network that direct messages to a management host. HIDS, Host Based Intrusion Detection Systems, run on the host, and there are several of them, like the John Churillo's Tiger IDS.

But the important distinction is that a Firewall is designed to keep intruders out, and an IDS is designed to identify intruders allready on your network or in the process of breaching your network. Kinda like the difference between a Deadbolt and an Alarm System.

Hope this helped

Chris Weber CCDP

Computer Associates Etrust software. They have an armor suite that is excellent.

Currently they have a program where if you are running Windows you can download a copy of their EZArmor Suite Free. The first year is totally free.

This suite includes a Firewall, Antivirus, and Email protection. Configure it to update daily and you will not have any problems.

http://www.my-etrust.com/microsoft/

Lee