Think this is the MS switch to over-ride existing anti virus packages, but not sure.
Lets do a little recent history. Hackers have found so many holes in the cosmic abyss of Windows, that MS developed and rolled out Service Pack 2. This was largely a collection of tools to make XP less vulnerable and its centrepiece, is the MS Security centre which can be found in the control panel. This introduced a firewall and various other bits to patch up the sinking ship. I suspect that what you see, are switches related to this security centre within SP2.
Bad things can happen with SP2 such as being unaware that it has introduced a firewall and over ridden your hopefully, existing article. A lot of anti Virus and firewall products are bundled together and these switches - I guess- are just part of that provision.
Existing progs should notice and recognise SP2 and vice versa, but I think MS were slightly unsure for the first few days in case some did not. Me? I wouldn't worry about them if you are sure that you have an active A/V package and firewall (but just one!) running.
Others will hopefully give better and more definitive advice.
Cheers,
Conan