Please recommend a good firewall

Yes, it is (3.1.0.16). Actually, they have released 3.1.0.17 also. But 3.1.0.16 is running very nicely on my PC, while there seems to be a few bugs being reported that will probably need to be corrected with 3.1.0.17 (in other words, expect 3.1.0.18 sometime soon ).

I've tried a handful of Firewalls over the years. Despite the impression that I'll probably give by what I'm about to say below....I'm not the type that constantly likes to change software, so if I find something that works and that I like, I'll generally stick with it. I certainly TRY to, anyway.

Zone Alarm (free) was a decent firewall. Did it's job, and I was satisfied with it. Still seemed bloated, though, and I didn't like it nagging me to upgrade to the version that included anti-spyware. And after all the "phoning home" reports, I decided to look around and see if I could find better.

Kerio worked OK as well. But once it was left unsupported, that began my search to try some more.

Norton (as part of the NIS package) gave me all kinds of problems. Had to call Tech Support, and while they were able to resolve the issue....their "workaround" wasn't a desired result. They were also going to charge me for Tech Support, but luckily they gave me a "one time" exemption. But I had just purchased the Suite about one week earlier!!! After that experience I began looking for another alternative.

Trend Micro (as part of the Suite) also gave me problems. Continually "rebooted" the PC for no reason. Their Tech Support wasn't able to discover and correct the problem. The search continued.

McAfee (also part of their "Suite") is a very simple to use Firewall which doesn't require much user knowledge or input, but also not the best at Leak Tests and from various reviews.

Look 'N' Stop (trial) seemed OK as well. Very light, and I didn't seem to encounter any problems with it.

Comodo wouldn't even work on my system. Tried several times, but with no luck. Their Tech Support couldn't resolve the problem for me either, so I ditched it. It was pretty early after it's release, though, so maybe they have improved and fixed whatever problem it was.

Online Armor (Full) is what I tried next, and I've used it for the past couple of years without any problems. Tall Emu is also generally pretty quick to resolve problems anyway, if one arises. It's light, easy to set up and configure, and tests very well in leak tests, etc. It also doesn't seem to give me problems like the ones that I had encountered previously. So, like the old saying goes...."If it's not broke, don't fix it"......

 

I don't see the reason with leaktests. Just run a good firewall with a good AV and you'll most likely never get any malware in the first place.

 

Hi,
For me, I've got good feels with RISING FW (no HIPS, but trojan protection and more). I'm using the 2009 free version and I like it, small footprint and good outbound protection. Also passes the PCFlank test and others.

 

why you all friends don't speak about Outpost Firewall Pro 2009?

I really like it, it's very easy to use with a lot of pre-set and auto-learning, great job in Leak tests and very compatible with any other security software (even with other firewalls too)

so it's my choice and really recommend

 

Maybe because Outpost 2009 has lots of issues for most users?
How long have you run it? Check the Outpost Forums, lots of people having BSOD and crashes over the years. The program is unstable for some users and certain configs. Agnitum has let these issues go on for TOO LONG unfixed. No wonder why they give away "Lifetime licenses". If they want more people to buy their product, they need to start doing regression testing and get their validation department to validate the product on multiple configs.

I can't use Outpost and couldn't for the past 3 years becuase all versions caused BSOD on XP and Vista. It doesn't work well with RAID, Avast, and several other programs.

 

Ive been running it on three computers in two months now without ANY problems. A lot of my friends have been using it for more than a month (got the deal in december) and none have had problems. So not everybody dislikes it.

 

If I were you, I would check if the installation was run under normal circumstances and make sure you don't have any incompability issues. Because I've been running their software with a brand new lifetime license for about 3 weeks now and everything's fine.

 

Same for me, but for 3 years
(XP SP2, and then SP3)

 

I would say no to Comodo; it required a reboot and attempted to install all kinds of 3rd party stuff on my computer.

 

I recently downloaded Rising free Firewall 2009 and their antivirus, so have the whole package. Both running smoothly on my desktop xp sp2 w/512RAM and no slowdown at all. So far, after only a week or so, I like them.

I should also add, I never go online without either Sandboxie or Returnil engaged.

 

Don't forget, OpenDns can help there also. Cheers.

 

Imo the built in Windows Firewall (if using Vista) is very underrated

 

Does OA work ok with Vista. Or just XP?

 

Is the free version any good? Is it version 3.100..190 the latest version?

 

Works with 32bit Vista too

 

V3.0.190 is the latest release. Sorry, I didn't mention that V3.1.0.16 is a beta. Since my last post Mike released a public beta V3.1.0.20. I am using it and so far it's without issues for me. They say the released version is really close, and if .20 is an indicator it will be great.

 

When did it require a reboot? At Installation?
If that's the case it's normal. Most do.

What kinds of 3rd party stuff?
Comodo never installed anything outside of what you tell it to.

 

The only thing comodo will install is its toolbar, but only if u choose to

 

I think so. OA free is what I use.

 

The free version is very good.
It comes down to the degree of protection you're looking for.
Here is the comparison chart:

http://www.tallemu.com/comparisons.html

 

There are lots of good FW's - I find Kerio very light on resources and comprehensive - open Kerio - go to file - admin and set to 'ask me first' then after your browsing rules have been set change to 'deny all unknown' If something doesn't work it may be Kerio - you may have to set to 'ask me first' temporarily. It's not hard.

For general security - I'd also dump Explorer browser permenantly and run Firefox 3 with download add on 'No Scripts', also Macafee Site Advisor or similar (see Firefox -downloads - security) also consider Winpatrol or similar which will protect your system and notify you of any unexpected activity or attempts to change your startup files. I also have spywareblaster installed.

'bahjan'

 

Hello,
I have not noticed what OS, so I'll assume Windows XP, in which case the firewall choices go to sygate, kerio 2.1.5 or the built-in windows firewall.
Mrk

 

Mike.... I just signed up with an Australian company called Three.com.au

I use their Wireless Internet. It's a modem that goes into my USB slot.

Can anyone hack or access my account when I am using the wireless internet?

I run Vista with Online Armour. Will that stop any hacks to gain access to my wireless internet?

 

F Y P

 

does it really matter? if anyone pays even a second to look at the page u can tell right away what its about and simply uncheck a few boxes, not a big deal.