how do i know if its windstream, or linksys thats causing the firewall?

Well did you check to see if you even have a Windstream firewall?? That would be a place to start.

i went to windstream.net, and once i allowed active x, my option for changing the firewall left, however, i looked at another option (speedstream instructions) and at the last page its talking about how to set it... give me a few minutes, stand by