[bushrat]

I have found that my computer has a lot of open ports. In command prompt I typed in "netstat -a" and a crap load of ports are open. Is that normal or is there programs that are running and keeping those ports open. I need someone tell me how to close them or keep an eye on them on what's going on on my PC.

[Sampson]

If you are worried about open ports (and not all of them are able to be closed, go to this page: http://www.pivx.com/qwikfix.asp . This software was produced to close those ports and other vulnerabilities that have been used by hackers and worms.

[bushrat]

It didn't help, no ports were closed.. The software didn't close anything...

[Sampson]

Misunderstood what you wanted. This software is shareware but you get a 30 day trial. It will find all the open ports on your system: http://www.diamondcs.com.au/portexplorer/

[jmmijo]

I find it best to get a gateway for broadband use, I personally still use an old Linksys but there are so many out there now and if you have the extra money to spend then perhaps a SOHO Watchguard or Sonicwall firewall would be great to have along with the Cisco PIX boxes.

Anyways, I've also used in the past a software based firewall from Zone Labs, called Zone Alarm. There have been some users complaining of issues using this app but I can't say I've ever run into any of them myself. The nice thing about this is that it will work for both broadband and dial-up users and by default closes the ports and you have to allow what ever app is trying to use said port(s)...