i should also add that a hardware based firewall can be very cheap nowadays especially if protecting less than 10 users. It can be cheaper than the software but functionality is very rigid to being a stateful inspection box...i.e. go /no-go.

hi,
does anyone know of a good alternative firewall to the windows firewall that will work on Vista Home Basic. I do not have much confidence in the built-in one.

i wouldn't hold my breath if i were you. Any beta program will require at least 2-3months before it becomes RTM. Provided there are no major issues during beta trial.