I think its time to retire Sygate Pro: it of a sudden got stupid the other day and doesn't allow me to update A-Squared even tho' the f'wall's told to allow it. So, I'm thinking of ZA, LnS, or Outpost Pro. I want a firewall that works, period, and puts up an inch thick steel plate around our PC (so to speak). I'm don't want to become a software engineer to use/learn nuances of rules for everything under the sun, really (and I'm happy to pay for an app, if it does the job, and I want a firewall, and not an app that throws in anti-everything as I have other security apps to cover the rest of the bases, pretty much). And, no, I don't mind reading/learning about an app to a point, but I don't want to join a "cult/mindset" and become a servant to the app, if you know what I mean.
ZA (free) would be the easiest. you either allow or deny an application internet access. outpost is a bit more complex but still relatively easy. the new outpost v3.5x can automatically fetch rules for many programs. if not, u will receive a prompt where u can allow or deny all access, or create rules. looknstop is simple, just allow or deny programs internet access. but it also uses rules and some p2p/games will require them. rules might also be needed for filesharing (lan) or using wireless access (wifi).
Although not currently using Zonealarm, I've used it quite a bit. I would try Zonealarm Free 4.5.594 ( http://download.zonelabs.com/bin/free/1023_zl/zlsSetup_45_594_000.exe) and if you need more options try to find a copy of (payware) Zonealarm Plus 4.5.594. (the program is called zaplusSetup_45_594_000.exe) Zonealarm Plus is unfortunately no longer available from Zonelabs. These are not the most current versions, but you said you "want a firewall that works, period" and you may or may not have that kind of luck with more recent versions.
ZoneAlarm Plus 4.5.594.000 can be downloaded from fileforum http://fileforum.betanews.com/detail/ZoneAlarm_Plus/1023831973/2 @ noway curious as to why you recommend v4 over latest v6? are their any serious security vulnerabilities in v4?
4.5.594 was the last version for Zonealarm Plus. After that if one wanted similar advanced firewall control one had to buy Zonealarm Pro, which had some features (bloat) one might not want. Newer versions may be better at leaktest stuff (?) at the expense of stability/memory use/unwanted features, etc. To read about issues with more recent versions, there's lots of info here: http://forums.zonelabs.com/zonelabs The changelogs are here: http://download.zonelabs.com/bin/free/information/znalm/zaReleaseHistory.html http://download.zonelabs.com/bin/free/information/zaPlus/releaseHistory.html http://download.zonelabs.com/bin/free/information/zap/releaseHistory.html
zonealarm plus was not free. it fit between za free and za pro. since its discontinued, u can only use the trial now.
I still use my old copy of ZA+ 4.5 and will continue as it does a great job imho and fits my needs perfectly. It was $40.00 CDN at that time. snowbound
The Plus won't accept Pro license keys so you will need a Plus key to use it permanently beyond the trial period.
Both LnS and Outpost Pro are great. I'd try both and see which you prefer. If you want free than go with ZA (or perhaps Kerio).
Also running ZA Pro 4.5.594.000. This is a very good FW without a lot of bloats. Memory load is between 4 and 6MB.
