looking for free low footprint firewall w/few popups

[nih]

Hi everyone. Like the title says I am looking for a free firewall with a (relatively) low footprint that doesnt flood me with tons of popups. My wife's laptop is getting old and Comodo seemed to bog it down and the fifty popups every time I installed or updated a program drove me crazy. Even if you said it was a trusted application you still get 3 or 4 more popups after that.

I like that the free Online Armor has a community driven list of recognized safe programs but I read that the free version does have a number of popups when installing/updated programs. Is OA a light firewall resource wise?

The laptop runs XP home SP2, she runs as a limited user behind an Actiontech router (FIOS). I have AVG av, spybot, and ad aware. I currently run the XP firewall but realize it has no outbound protection.

Any advice would be appreciated, thanks in advance

[Fly]

-{ Quote: "Hi everyone. Like the title says I am looking for a free firewall with a (relatively) low footprint that doesnt flood me with tons of popups. My wife's laptop is getting old and Comodo seemed to bog it down and the fifty popups every time I installed or updated a program drove me crazy. Even if you said it was a trusted application you still get 3 or 4 more popups after that.

I like that the free Online Armor has a community driven list of recognized safe programs but I read that the free version does have a number of popups when installing/updated programs. Is OA a light firewall resource wise?

The laptop runs XP home SP2, she runs as a limited user behind an Actiontech router (FIOS). I have AVG av, spybot, and ad aware. I currently run the XP firewall but realize it has no outbound protection.

Any advice would be appreciated, thanks in advance" }-

If anyone finds such a firewall I'd like to hear about it. As long as the FREE requirement has to be met, a very low footprint firewall, other than the XP firewall, will be difficult or impossible to find.

Outbound protection is overrated (although not useless).

Does your wife have a wireless connection with that laptop ? Then I'd say inbound protection is also a concern, although it is very unlikely that anyone will ever hack into her system, unless she is a high profile target.

Something else: AVG av is probably not a strong antivirus, and spybot and ad aware are not the best choices for antispyware protection. If they offer real-time protection it's probably not that good.

[ccsito]

I have used ZA (old version 6) and Sygate and have not received a popup (other than a port scan attempt and a program attempting to auto update) in a long time. Both programs are outdated and considered "old", but they are working fine and I haven't any issues with using them.

[Victek123]

-{ Quote: "Hi everyone. Like the title says I am looking for a free firewall with a (relatively) low footprint that doesnt flood me with tons of popups. My wife's laptop is getting old and Comodo seemed to bog it down and the fifty popups every time I installed or updated a program drove me crazy. Even if you said it was a trusted application you still get 3 or 4 more popups after that.

I like that the free Online Armor has a community driven list of recognized safe programs but I read that the free version does have a number of popups when installing/updated programs. Is OA a light firewall resource wise?

The laptop runs XP home SP2, she runs as a limited user behind an Actiontech router (FIOS). I have AVG av, spybot, and ad aware. I currently run the XP firewall but realize it has no outbound protection.

Any advice would be appreciated, thanks in advance" }-

Since you like Online Armor why not just turn off the HIPS module? That should stop the pop-ups.

[mlr1m]

Ever tried Tiny/Kerio 2.15? I still install it on some computers using XP.

Michael

[MikeNAS]

-{ Quote: "Hi everyone. Like the title says I am looking for a free firewall with a (relatively) low footprint that doesnt flood me with tons of popups. My wife's laptop is getting old and Comodo seemed to bog it down and the fifty popups every time I installed or updated a program drove me crazy. Even if you said it was a trusted application you still get 3 or 4 more popups after that.

I like that the free Online Armor has a community driven list of recognized safe programs but I read that the free version does have a number of popups when installing/updated programs. Is OA a light firewall resource wise?

The laptop runs XP home SP2, she runs as a limited user behind an Actiontech router (FIOS). I have AVG av, spybot, and ad aware. I currently run the XP firewall but realize it has no outbound protection.

Any advice would be appreciated, thanks in advance" }-

You should test GhostWall. Definitely zero pop-ups. Just build your rules and forget it.

[InVitroVeritas]

MikeNas beat me to suggesting Ghostwall. better than windows native FW, and the free FW with the least impact on performances.

... and, NO.pop'up.at.all. lol.

[Diver]

Behind a router the windows firewall ought to be enough. Actually, all it does for you in that case is stealth any ports that are forwarded on the router. The whold outbound protection thing is a big waste. If the machine is already LUA, enable a software restriction policy for additional protection. This will prevent programs downloaded to the temp folder or browser cache from running without administrative rights, thus preventing many drive by attacks.

[mantra]

you can setup comodo as well do pop 1 time for the new program , or pop up for every actions , or use the learn feature it will not pop up

for me better then comodo there is nothing

[mantra]

-{ Quote: "Ever tried Tiny/Kerio 2.15? I still install it on some computers using XP.

Michael" }-
but is tiny firewall still alive?
i can find the home page

[dave88]

-{ Quote: "but is tiny firewall still alive?
i can find the home page" }-

You can find Kerio 2.15 at Last Freeware Version

http://www.321download.com/LastFreeware/page7.html

[lasu]

sygate or kerio 2.1.5. the only way to go, imho :)
ive used both for yrs, no popups and no hassels.
both are light on resourses.
L

[mantra]

-{ Quote: "You can find Kerio 2.15 at Last Freeware Version

http://www.321download.com/LastFreeware/page7.html" }-
but tiny firewall and kerio are the same product?

[ccsito]

The last Tiny firewall version (6.5) appears to date from 2005.

http://www.download.com/Tiny-Personal-Firewall/3000-10435_4-10266527.html

Tiny Software's firewall program was taken over by Kerio in 2002. Kerio continued the development of the firewall (the last "supposed" version under Tiny was 2.0.15 (2001)) and the last under Kerio was version 4 (2003) before Sunbelt bought them out in 2005. The Kerio version 2.1.5 (2003 version) was the last "stable" version put out by that company. Version 3 was never released and version 4 was not widely used and then the program was totally revamped by Sunbelt Software on their releases.

The firewall version 6.5 (2005) is not based on the program taken over by Kerio. Tiny was later taken over by CA.

So you have Tiny branching off to Kerio/Sunbelt and then another branching off to CA. Hope this makes sense. :wacko:

[Hairy Coo]

Flesclab meets all the requirements and is extremely simple to use
Download Here (http://www.filseclab.com/eng/products/firewall.htm)

[PiCo]

Running CFP with default settings on a clean system and full HIPS enabled should give minimum pop-ups.
When installing sth new -> installation mode
When running sth new -> training mode
With no HIPS, just a pure firewall, almost none.

I don't understand what footprint means, I guess sth about recourses. This is a print-screen after 25-30 hours of pc usage on my Vista machine.

[dave88]

Kerio 2.15 is the last version of the famed free tiny firewall. Any later versions of kerio or tiny are different programs.

more info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiny_Software

[ccsito]

Yes, it seems that Tiny has left its "footprint" on several companies.

"original" Tiny - last version is 2.0.15
Kerio - last version is 4.2 (last "stable" version is 2.1.5)
"new" Tiny - last version is 6.5
Sunbelt - last version is 4.5 (continuation of Kerio)

[dave88]

-{ Quote: "Yes, it seems that Tiny has left its "footprint" on several companies.

"original" Tiny - last version is 2.0.15
Kerio - last version is 4.2 (last "stable" version is 2.1.5)
"new" Tiny - last version is 6.5
Sunbelt - last version is 4.5 (continuation of Kerio)" }-

All versions above 2.15 are completely different programs. The lightweight version worth seeking is kerio 2.15

You might also want to check out BlitzenZeus excellent ruleset for it.

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,8023708

[ccsito]

-{ Quote: "All versions above 2.15 are completely different programs. The lightweight version worth seeking is kerio 2.15

You might also want to check out BlitzenZeus excellent ruleset for it.

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,8023708" }-

As a further clarification, Tiny 2.0.15A (2001) should not be confused with Kerio 2.1.5 (2003). Kerio 3 (never released) and Kerio 4 were developed with major changes to the original program.

[dave88]

-{ Quote: "As a further clarification, Tiny 2.0.15A (2001) should not be confused with Kerio 2.1.5 (2003)." }-

Actually these two are very similar. You could even consider kerio 2.15 just a small update to Tiny 2.0.15 hence the confusion about this firewall.

[Doodler]

-{ Quote: "You should test GhostWall. Definitely zero pop-ups. Just build your rules and forget it." }-

Ghostwall...one way or two way firewall? Also, what about Ashampoo?

[lucas1985]

See it yourself (http://www.ghostsecurity.com/ghostwall/) :)

[computer geek]

Well, if you put a firewall in automatic mode, if it has one, it won't bother you much.
If you want non-bothering firewalls, forget top-notched ones like comodo, zonealarm, since they all have much alerts,

[Doodler]

-{ Quote: "See it yourself (http://www.ghostsecurity.com/ghostwall/) :)" }-

I had already checked out Ghostwall's website prior to posting my question and I can't tell if Ghostwall is one-way or two-way. Their web site emphasizes that their firewall is intended to replace Windows Firewall's functionality. Since WF is one-way only, then I could guess that Ghostwall is one-way only as well. But some of the fields shown in their screenshots have the words "outbound". That would suggest it is a two-way firewall. ????

[lucas1985]

It's only a packet filter. It doesn't bind packets to applications. Outgoing refers to the flow of packets, nothing more :)
Example: if you allow outbound access to remote ports 80 and 443, they will be used by any application.
With only 10 rules (or even less) you can have a tight ruleset wich only allows the necessary comms (DHCP rules, DNS rules, NTP rule, browsing rule, mail clients rule, P2P rule, IM rule and blocking rule).

[Doodler]

-{ Quote: "It's only a packet filter. It doesn't bind packets to applications. Outgoing refers to the flow of packets, nothing more :)
Example: if you allow outbound access to remote ports 80 and 443, they will be used by any application.
With only 10 rules (or even less) you can have a tight ruleset wich only allows the necessary comms (DHCP rules, DNS rules, NTP rule, browsing rule, mail clients rule, P2P rule, IM rule and blocking rule)." }-

Thanks for your response. But I'm not familiar with the terminology so it's all greek to me. For now I guess I'll have to settle on Windows Firewall until I can find a simple, easy to understand 2-way firewall (no HIPS) that isn't bloated with add-ons I don't want.

[lucas1985]

Easy to use, 2-way firewalls without HIPS are found in suites like NIS and ESS. Popular firewalls (Outpost, Online Armor, Comodo, Zone Alarm) include a HIPS or HIPS-like features and other functions. Simple, 2-way firewalls like Kerio 2.1.5, Sygate or Filseclab require that you write a ruleset. LnS might suit you, specially with a pre-made ruleset.

[dave88]

-{ Quote: "Thanks for your response. But I'm not familiar with the terminology so it's all greek to me. For now I guess I'll have to settle on Windows Firewall until I can find a simple, easy to understand 2-way firewall (no HIPS) that isn't bloated with add-ons I don't want." }-

Sygate or Kerio 2.15 is what you are looking for, though neither one is still in development or supported but they still do what they need to do and many many people still use them.

[Doodler]

lucas1985 and dave88,

Thanks. I did some checking around on the web over this past weekend and your response supports what I've been reading...particularly about Kerio 2.15. I'm tempted to give it a try.

[mantra]

-{ Quote: "You should test GhostWall. Definitely zero pop-ups. Just build your rules and forget it." }-
but is good?
in the leak test? does it score?

[lucas1985]

-{ Quote: "but is good?" }-
It's very good. Probably the most user-friendly packet filter.
-{ Quote: "in the leak test? does it score?" }-
It doesn't do TDI filtering (i.e. it doesn't control which apps access network resources)

[ccsito]

-{ Quote: "Simple, 2-way firewalls like Kerio 2.1.5, Sygate or Filseclab require that you write a ruleset." }-


For computer novices, I would not recommend firewalls that require you to write up a ruleset. If your knowledge is lacking, the firewall that you set up may be inadequate, and worst, may allow unintended communications to go unchecked.

[lucas1985]

That's exactly what I intended to say. Perhaps my wording was incorrect.

[Xenophobe]

He could give these (http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,8023708) rules a try. :)

[ccsito]

-{ Quote: "That's exactly what I intended to say. Perhaps my wording was incorrect." }-

There is a well known saying that refers to what you stated, but I can't seem to recall it just now. :-\

[Saraceno]

From what the OP describes, not many firewalls will give you adequate protection without alerts. It's like wanting the power of a V8 engine without wanting to pay for high amounts of fuel, can't happen. ;)

If you're after a high level of protection (a program which functions to a degree like a firewall), something to alert you when there is any 'intrusion' or anything irregular such as an inbound connection, or an unwanted outbound connection, why not try ThreatFire (http://www.threatfire.com/).

Only alerts when there is something 'out of the ordinary', like a malware threat. It functions on its own. When a threat is there, clearly explains what it is. You might only get one pop-up a week, or nothing at all. And best of all, it's free. Might be what you're after. :thumb:

[SamSpade]

Online Armor can have its HIPS functions disabled, and there is a free version.

|||

[3xist]

-{ Quote: "Online Armor can have its HIPS functions disabled, and there is a free version.

|||" }-

Comodo also can have it's HIPS Function Disabled. During Installation or When using CFP it self. When installing CFP 3, Just Choose the Firewall only+Leak Protection.

3xist

[Beavenburt]

Just stick with the XP firewall my friend. It's perfectly adequate. Outbound is just over-rated nonesense. Let your AV/AS whatever it is you use, to detect the bad guys. The fact shes running LUA means there will be f-all bad guys to detect anyway. Saraceno mentioned Threatfire, IMO that would be a good choice in meeting your requirements.

[MikeNAS]

-{ Quote: "but is good?
in the leak test? does it score?" }-

It's very very good. Haven't find better :D I don't care about leaktests.

[Pseudo]

-{ Quote: "It's very very good. Haven't find better :D I don't care about leaktests." }-
I really want to try it out... I hate it's GUI though. :doubt:

[Makav3l1]

Try PC Tools firewall. It is free, based on LnS, won't ask many questions, and will keep you protected. Seems to fit all your needs.

[Escalader]

-{ Quote: "Hi everyone. Like the title says I am looking for a free firewall with a (relatively) low footprint that doesnt flood me with tons of popups. My wife's laptop is getting old and Comodo seemed to bog it down and the fifty popups every time I installed or updated a program drove me crazy. Even if you said it was a trusted application you still get 3 or 4 more popups after that.

I like that the free Online Armor has a community driven list of recognized safe programs but I read that the free version does have a number of popups when installing/updated programs. Is OA a light firewall resource wise?

The laptop runs XP home SP2, she runs as a limited user behind an Actiontech router (FIOS). I have AVG av, spybot, and ad aware. I currently run the XP firewall but realize it has no outbound protection.

Any advice would be appreciated, thanks in advance" }-


Hi nih:

Let me declare that I'm currenly a beta tester in the OA forum first.

That said you have a number of options in freebee land.

I have used all of these at one time or another so here goes:

1) kerio the orginal you need to KNOW FW rule logic to firm it up
2) ZA free
3) Comodo
4) PC Tools FW +
5) OA free

All these are free, 2 way FW's but do take varying footprints like all SW.

Of these IF I was forced to order them for your setup and need for few pop ups ( a bit of a contriction during set up since that is when FW should learn what you want as a user and should pop up)

the order would be

1) OA
2) PC Tools FW +
3) ZA Free
4) CFW
5) kerio

OA has a hips as well which is nice if you don't have one.

My 1st choice for messing about was kerio but it is no longer "evolving" but it is great teaching tool for those who want/need to learn FW logic.

Trial them on your set up is the only way for you to "know" what is best for you since here on WSF there are as many views as there are posters, whiich is great for learning and debating but you need to drive the car to see if it has enough head room!

Hope this helps.


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