Many years ago I used ZoneAlarm Free Firewall, but know little about this now. Anyone updated on a proper free one?
For Windows 10*? Windows Firewall ofc, or with additional help of binisoft "windows firewall control" keep your system and software up to date, it makes no sense for any additional security software if the system has vulnerabilities and is broken by design. * thats reason why i stick with the defender to avoid any issues with other software, in special browsers (any) are targeted with such bad impacts. The "windows defender firewall with advanced security" is very simple to use, just click and select. but the messaging part for popups is worse, thats why binisoft. I use additional** "windows 10 firewall control" (paid) from sphinxsoft because it has zones and rules like outpost (and others) had. popups are set within one click. ** it is neither nor recommended disabling the windows firewall because it has a lot more dependencies within windows as only "firewall" (fonts, apps, account and more)
A firewall these days ain`t as important as before, the antivivrus protection mostly takes care of what is nedeed. It is more important to have a really good protection overall. Windows have that inbuilt, besides the really good antivirus protection called Microsoft Defender. A program that you can "harden" for even better security with this program: Homepage - Hard_Configurator (hard-configurator.com). But if you have certain needs for being able to easily handle a firewall, a free extension program like Simplewall or Windows firewall control makes it easy to handle the inbuilt Windows d.o. A firewall that is enough if you have good protection otherwise, as mentioned.
it has advantage to get familiar with the built-in features, to ask about settings or possibilities and only then to consider another or additional software. In case of Windows defender firewall you can/should export the current settings for backup. my experience to binisoft or hardening is limited.
