Tell me how to protect my computer

My firewall that comes with my windows xp slows down my computer. What will be a better one firewall I can download and use for free? http://www.gophergraphics.com/forum/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[AMW Graphics]

I know you said free..but IMO the best thing yo ucould do is buy a router, they have firewalls built in & they work VERY well. You can find them on sale for $35.00 or less usualy or look on eBay..you could find on there for less then $20.

I dont like software firewalls.

Hope this helps,