[pcspecialist]

Hey,
I'm hosting an Apache server off of my computer right now. I believe that it is version 1.2.9, and the newest one is 1.3.3 I think. I have a wireless router (Linksys 54MBPS with Speed Booster). I have forwarded all of my ports (changed port 80 to 45, and forwarded port 15. I also have an FTP account and forwarded port 21.) When I have up my SP2 firewall, Apache doesn't work for some reason. I told a friend of mine to see if he could hack into my computer, and he did it very easily. Is there a firewall that will be good for me, and WON'T effect my Apache server?

Thanks.

[C.Ingram]

If your friend can truely hack (crack, more likley) into your machine, you have problems a firewall won't fix. Make sure Windows XP is patched and secure. All users should have passwords, and the guest account should be disabled. Google around for guides to securing Windows XP, including what services you can turn off. Then, upgrade Apache to 1.3.x or the latest in the 2.x series. Once all that is done, you shouldn't need a firewall (although it is still a good idea). Your router should work just fine if you only forward the necessary ports (HTTP, FTP if you must, etc...).

[m3trj]

Use something like ZoneAlarm. You should be able to let Apache through using that.

[Erind]

Try something like Miniportal. It is an Apache-Based server. You can find it at instantservers.com. I had it and it is very nice. Gets through the firewalls and is pretty fast.

Good Luck.

[fitzjj]

when you turn on the windows firewall are you opening ports 80 and 21? If you dont then nothing will be able to get to your apache or ftp servers. - this is the same for any firewall.

As for your friend hacking into your computers, find out how he did it. Most likely, as C.Ingram says, he cracked his way in (i.e. got one of your passwords and made it in). I would guess that he did this via your ftp server - unless completely necessary i wouldnt give anyone write access to your ftp server anyway.

If this is not how your friend hacked your computer i would suggest he is bull5h1tt1ng. You are behind a NAT firewall (assuming your internet connection comes through your router) - unless of course he was on your network, this would make it a bit easier for him.