XP syping

I just set-up ZoneAlarm firewall on my new dell Laptop out of habit.  Sure XP Pro has a firewall but I allways do things my way.  As soon as I rebooted ZoneAlarm caught 5   diffrent processes trying to go to the internet.  I thought about going back to 98 but I can't get drivers for my 8100 inspiron off of dell and we all know that laptop drivers are specialised.   : So now I need some information on making XP do only what I want it to when I want is and how I want is to.  Any pointers guys?